Whether you’re dealing with a bunion or a bunionette, the reality is that these bony bumps are both painful and unsightly. Surgery — in which Aamir Mahmood, DPM repositions your toe joint bones and the soft tissues to keep your joint stable — can eliminate the pain of a bunion and improve the look of your feet, but is surgery your only option? Will these bumps disappear without any intervention?
That’s a question our team hears often at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic. Here’s what you need to know about bunion treatment.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, and this misalignment causes your entire toe to turn toward your other toes. (When this happens on your pinky toe, it’s known as a bunionette.)
When your toe is misaligned, it can lead to discomfort, pain when walking, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Bunions typically develop over time because of factors like genetics, ill-fitting shoes, and foot mechanics.
Unfortunately, bunions don’t usually go away on their own. Remember, the bump forms because your metatarsophalangeal joint is out of alignment. Once a bunion forms, it’s likely to persist unless you take action to address it.
While some people may hope their bunions will vanish without effort, the reality is that bunions tend to worsen over time if not properly managed. The bony deformity doesn’t reverse itself without intervention.
If your bunion is causing pain, limiting your activities, or affecting your quality of life, it’s time to seek medical advice. Conservative treatment can help alleviate pain, take some pressure off your toe, and slow the condition’s progression.
Dr. Mahmood can provide a proper evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as:
Wearing shoes that provide ample space for your toes can help alleviate discomfort. Look for wide-toed shoes with good arch support. Take a pass on any shoes that are too narrow or have a high heel.
Custom-made shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure on your foot and improve your walking mechanics. You may find that orthotics and padding go a long way in improving your comfort.
Certain exercises can strengthen the muscles around your toes and potentially alleviate some of the strain caused by bunions. Examples of bunion-friendly exercises include toe circles, marble pick-ups, and heel raises.
Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may help manage pain and swelling.
In severe cases or when conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief, surgery might be the right path forward. As with any surgery, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, and when the pros outweigh the cons, it’s time to consider surgical intervention.
Although the thought of surgery may feel daunting, remember that surgery can correct even the most severe deformities, eliminate the pain of bunion deformities, correct the appearance of your foot, and improve foot functionality.
While the idea of bunions disappearing naturally might be appealing, it’s important to face the reality that they usually require some form of intervention. The good news is that you’re never on this journey alone. The Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic team offers nonsurgical and surgical interventions for bunions here in Chesterton and Michigan City, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois.
Get back on your feet and call the location of your choice to explore your bunion treatment options today.
