Bunion Treatment

• Abnormal bump to the side of the foot.
• Pain and tenderness at the bump or great toe.
• Stiffness or restricted motion at the great toe joint.
• Inflammation and redness at the site of the bump.
• Pain on the second toe due to pressure or abutment from the great toe.
• Callus or thickening of skin on the side of the foot or near the bunion.
• Numbness and/or tingling around the bunion area.

• Purchase appropriately sized footwear, preferably those with a deep and wide toe box. Shop at a store with well trained staff that have the ability to correctly measure your feet. It is recommended to have your feet measured regularly.
• Avoid high heeled shoes – these will likely put more pressure against the bunion.
• Offload the pressure area: use of padding against the bunion is often helpful with pain relief. Make sure the pad is not so large as to cause the shoe to fit tighter, which may be painful.
• Inserts or custom orthotics can be used in shoe gear to help the foot function properly and can slow the progression of the deformity.
• Use of toe spacers may relieve pressure against the bunion as well as between the 1st and 2nd toes.
• Apply ice to any inflamed areas.
• If you are able to use over the counter pain medication, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, this may be helpful in managing moderate pain. Speak with our foot and ankle specialist if your pain lasts more than a few days.

If you find that you have a bunion which is causing you pain despite trying the above recommendations, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. It is important not to ignore bunion pain, as it can result in other foot issues. Surgery is the only way to remove the bunion and correct the misalignment. Selecting the proper procedure is predicated on a thorough physical exam and obtaining x-rays. Surgical options include removing the bone bump, minimally invasive correction, cutting and realigning bones while securing them with screws, and in really severe long-standing presentations fusing two bones together to remove excess motion or
arthritis that may have formed. These options will be explained when you make an appointment with us. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call The Foot and Ankle Clinic of Albuquerque, P.C.