Bunion pain is caused by a bump on the outside of the big toe or the side of the little toe (Tailor’s bunion). The bump is the result of two bones going in opposite directions because of muscle and ligament instability. Often times, calluses, corns and ingrown nails will develop as a result of the misalignment of toes and joints.
Bunions can occur from a variety of issues such as improper footwear, foot type, hypermobility, genetics, and abnormal anatomy. What most individuals aren’t aware of is that bunions will continue to get worse until the cause is removed.
The only way to remove a bunion is surgical correction. However, there are many conservative treatment options for preventing the progression of a bunion and it is often the preferred treatment for less severe bunions. Some treatment options include:
- bunion splint or sock
- silicone toe separator
- changing footwear
- custom orthotic therapy
- taping or splinting
If a bunion continues to progress, there is often a lot of pain and swelling at the joint and bump. Some treatment options for bunion pain/swelling include:
- padding around the bump
- medication for pain (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aleve)
- warm soaks
- applying ice
- ultrasound application
- changing footwear to accommodate the bump
If you’ve tried conservative treatments for about a year without any success and the pain/bunion has progressed then talk to your family doctor about surgical correction.
At West Mississauga Foot Clinic, we will conduct thorough assessments to identify the cause of your bunion and help create customized treatment plans to fit your needs. If you experience bunion discomfort and pain, please call (905) 625-1555 to schedule an appointment with one of our registered chiropodists.
