The other signs and symptoms of bunions include

Bunions may start small but over time, it may become bigger. If one continues to wear tight narrow shoes, it can be more painful and difficult to walk.

The exact cause of bunions in not known but genetics seems to play a big role. Other possible causes are existing foot conditions like flat feet, high arches, overpronation and various foot problems like arthritis, sprains, and fractures. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or very high-heeled tight shoes may not actually cause bunions but may make the deformity progressively worse.

Conservative Treatment for Bunions

There are a number of nonsurgical ways to manage bunions. The first step is to wear the right type of shoes. These should be wide enough especially in the toe box to accommodate the bunion. Shoes with flexible soles to support the foot are also helpful. Shoes with a back should be able to keep the heels snugly in place. Keep away from high-heeled shoes. Anything higher than an inch can put undue stress on the bunion.

A simpler method to involves the use of a thermoplastic splint. This is supposed to relieve bunion pain, straighten the big toe, and reduce the size of the bump. With proper compliance, patients can resume their with lesser to no pain. Splints may also provide bunion pain relief for those with severe stages of bunion.

Passive and active exercises may also relieve bunion symptoms and increase flexibility. These include toe stretches, toe flexing and contracting, ball roll, resistance exercises, towel curls, picking up marbles with the toes, and even walking along the beach or sand which serves as a gentle foot massage.

Keeping a normal weight also helps with bunion problems.

Gel-filled pads or moleskin are readily available at drugstores. Similarly, these provide support and relieve bunion pain.

However, it is important to note that these conservative measures will not get rid of the bunion because the bunion is a biomechanical deformity. These can only help in relieving the symptoms or may delay its progression. The only way to treat bunions is through bunion surgery.

When is surgery needed for bunion?

When all conservative and nonsurgical bunion treatments fail and the pain interferes with the daily activities, then it may be time to visit your podiatrist. Discuss your options and the different surgical methods for bunion treatment.

The newer methods for removing bunions such as the minimally invasive bunion surgery involve very small incision.

The new fixation technique allows a patient to be up and about the same day!

It is very important that this ground-breaking technique is performed by a specialist foot and ankle surgeon who has extensive experience in all bunion surgery techniques.