Bunions - Colorado Center for Podiatric Sports (2024)

FAQs

Is there a bunion corrector that actually works? ›

Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.

A podiatrist will usually start with nonsurgical treatments. These options include bunion pads, splints, ice, special footwear, medications, and orthotics. Severe bunions, or bunions that do not respond to other treatments, may require surgery in order to remedy the problem.

Taping bunions can reduce the bunion pain and stress brought on during the day by most shoes, standing and walking. Taping is often used to provide support, stability or rehabilitation to athletes suffering from bunion pain including runners, dancers, bikers and skiers.

Nonsurgical treatments can help to relieve symptoms, improve comfort, and slow a bunion's progression. But they don't correct the underlying cause, which is a misalignment of the foot bones. To make treatment more effective, it's best to start using nonsurgical methods as soon as you start to develop a bunion.

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone.

Bunion toe spacers fit between the big toe and the second toe, and can keep them from crowding and rubbing each other. Spacers can also help straighten the big toe and can be worn inside shoes. Bunion splints wrap around your big toe and foot, similar to a sleeve.

While the scientific evidence supporting the use of toe spacers for bunions is limited, many people report experiencing relief from their bunion symptoms when using these devices. While toe spacers may not be a cure for bunions, they can potentially provide some relief for those suffering from this painful condition.

Surgical options

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.

Bunion massages may also help alleviate some pain. Bunions have trigger points that cause muscles to shorten and massaging the area can help to stretch the surrounding muscles.

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.

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.

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.

You can also use a bunion splint to provide you with some relief. A bunion splint wraps around your foot to temporarily align your toes. Most people wear splints at night as they can't be worn at the same time as shoes. The temporary alignment can provide you with some relief while you wear the splint.

For bunions caused by arthritis, medicines may help reduce pain and swelling. If these treatments don't help, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery. This often resolves the problem. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and correct as much deformity as possible.