Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your bunion and how much pain it causes.
Surgical options
If conservative treatment doesn't relieve your symptoms, you might need surgery. Surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons; only when a bunion causes you frequent pain or interferes with your daily activities.
There are many surgical procedures for bunions, and no one technique is best for every problem.
Surgical procedures for bunions can be done as single procedures or in combination. They might involve:
- Removing the swollen tissue from around your big toe joint
- Straightening your big toe by removing part of the bone
- Realigning one or more bones in the forefoot to a more normal position to correct the abnormal angle in your big toe joint
- Joining the bones of your affected joint permanently
It's possible that you'll be able to walk on your foot right after a bunion procedure. However, full recovery can take weeks to months.
To prevent a recurrence, you'll need to wear proper shoes after recovery. For most people, it's unrealistic to expect to wear narrower shoes after surgery.
Talk to your doctor about what you can expect after bunion surgery.
FAQs
The only way to permanently remove bunions is surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy. There are a few different ways to surgically remove a bunion, and all are common. Your podiatrist will take a look at your foot to determine the best approach to help you find permanent bunion relief.
What is the main cause of bunions? ›
Bunions are usually caused by prolonged pressure put on the feet that compresses the big toe and pushes it toward the second toe. Over time, the condition may become painful as extra bone grows where the base of the big toe meets the foot.
Can a podiatrist do anything for bunions? ›
Diagnosis and Treatment
A podiatrist may recommend these treatments: Padding and Taping: Often the first step in a treatment plan, padding the bunion minimizes pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Taping helps keep the foot in a normal position, thus reducing stress and pain.
How can I shrink my bunions naturally? ›
- Massage and Exercise Your Feet. One of the simplest ways to treat your bunions without surgery is to, in fact, exercise your feet. ...
- Take a Paracetamol. ...
- Soak Your Feet in a Foot Bath. ...
- Ice Your Feet. ...
- Put Your Feet Up! ...
- Try Castor Oil. ...
- Try Bunion Pads. ...
- Try Bunion Splints.
Can you really correct a bunion without surgery? ›
In most cases, bunions can be treated nonsurgically. One of the podiatrists from our team can examine your bunion(s) and recommend a conservative treatment which includes one or more of the following: Custom shoe orthotics (inserts) that relieve pressure on the joint and align your weight in a more beneficial way.
How to stop a bunion from growing? ›
Bunion prevention and management: 5 things to start doing
- Make sure your shoes are the right size and fit. ...
- Avoid wearing high heels every day (or retire them altogether) ...
- Rest your feet. ...
- Do bunion stretches and exercises to strengthen your feet. ...
- Monitor your feet for changes.
Is walking barefoot good for bunions? ›
Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.
Do bunions get worse with age? ›
Bunions develop gradually over time. Without the right care, like changing your footwear or using orthotics, bunions can get worse over time. As a person gets older and ages or gains weight, our feet spread and that worsens the problems already in place or triggers the development of bunions.
Why is bunion surgery not recommended? ›
Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment.
Does insurance cover bunion surgery? ›
Bunion surgery costs depend on the type of surgery you have, where you have the procedure, your health insurance or Medicare coverage, and more. Generally, if your bunion pain is leading to physical limitations, and surgery is deemed medically necessary by your podiatrist, insurance will cover the procedure.
Bunion toe spacers cannot cure bunions, but they can help manage pain and prevent further damage to the toe joint.
What looks like a bunion but isn't? ›
One of the most common bunion look-alike foot conditions is arthritis of the big toe joint. Big toe joint arthritis causes swelling which resembles bunion on the side of your foot. It even causes foot pain when putting pressure on your foot or walking.
Is Vicks VapoRub good for bunions? ›
Vicks VapoRub
Sounds crazy, right? But, according to the NIH, menthol and camphor — two of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub — may help soothe inflamed joints and muscles by acting as a topical anesthetic. Treating bunions with Vicks may provide temporary, superficial pain relief.
What does Epsom salt do for bunions? ›
Soaking your feet in the water a few times a week can help reduce pain and inflammation. You can also add Epsom salt in warm water. The magnesium in salt can help stave off soreness and soothe your bunion.
How painful is bunion surgery? ›
Is the surgery painful? The amount of pain experienced after bunion surgery is different from one person to the next. Most patients will experience discomfort for three to five days. If you closely follow your foot and ankle surgeon's instructions, you can help minimize pain and swelling after your bunion surgery.
How do you shrink a bunion without surgery? ›
Bunions can be managed at home and with the help of a medical professional such as a podiatrist to reduce symptoms. Options include changing footwear if necessary, using pain relievers, doing bunion stretches, and even using nighttime splints. However, bunions don't shrink, dissolve, or reverse from these treatments.
Can you really correct a bunion? ›
You cannot get rid of bunions or stop them getting worse yourself, but there are things you can do to ease any pain.