4 Bunion Treatment Methods Without Surgery
Posted on: 28 January 2022
It's estimated that 36% of persons aged above 65 years have bunions while 23% of those between 18 and 65 years have them. You may wonder if all these people undergo surgical procedures to treat their bunions. And the simple answer is "NO."
While surgery is the only guaranteed way to get rid of bunions, there are various non-surgical bunion treatment methods that can help reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and prevent bunions from worsening. Depending on the condition of your bunion, these non-surgical methods may actually be all you need. Below are four ways to treat bunions without surgery.
Wear the Right Shoes
The first step to preventing bunion progression and easing pain is wearing appropriate shoes. Ideally, you should have well-rounded shoes that give your toes enough space to breathe, to avoid any pressure on your bunion.
Also, if you can, it's advisable to avoid high heels or shoes with narrow-toe boxes. That's because these types of shoes can squeeze your bunion to worsen the situation. Wear comfortable shoes with supportive soles until you have managed your bunion and there is no pain or discomfort.
Custom Orthotics
Midfoot instability is one of the main causes of bunions. An orthotic insert provides midfoot and hindfoot support to correct your foot position and prevent the bunion's growth. It also evenly distributes the weight on your foot to reduce pressure on the big toe; thus, alleviating pain and discomfort.
While orthotics can be bought in drugstores, the best option is to visit a podiatrist to have yours custom fitted. With a custom orthotic, you can be sure your feet will have greater balance, support, and bunion relief.
Bunion Splints
Bunion splints are a popular treatment option for bunions. While they will not completely heal your bunion, they can provide some much-needed relief.
Generally, splints help realign your foot's shape by straightening or stretching the big toe to its rightful position. You can wear them as you sleep or when relaxing in the house. However, don't expect immediate results—it may take several days before you see any improvements.
Foot Mobilization Therapy
Foot mobilization therapy is a hands-on approach used by podiatrists to improve the function of your big toe, ankle, and foot. It achieves this by strengthening the muscles and joints around those areas. The best thing about this therapy is that it not only treats the bunion, but also addresses the underlying causes.
You can remain active throughout the treatment, and there are no changes required in your daily activity. If foot mobilization therapy is combined with strengthening exercises, you can also expect improved foot function and strength.
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