The physicians at Foot Specialists of Greater Cincinnati specialize in conservative bunion treatments and bunionectomy procedures. If you are interested in learning more about possible treatments for bunions, please feel free to call us at (859) 341-9900.
What are Bunions?
In simple terms, A bunion is defined as a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It forms when your big toe pushes against your next toe, forcing the joint of your big toe to get bigger and stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.
Bunions can develop by wearing tight or narrow shoes. Bunions also can develop as a result of an inherited structural defect, stress on your foot or a medical condition, such as arthritis.
Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe.
Treatment Options:
Shoe selection: It is important to select the right style of shoe to alleviate pressure if you suffer from a bunion deformity.
Shoe modifications: Sometimes it is possible to have your shoes modified to offload the area where the bunion resides, alleviating pressure and pain.
Orthotic inserts: Often a prescription insert can be implemented in the shoe to reduce pressure and attempt to re-establish the joint function that previously deviated, resulting in the bunion deformity.
Anti-inflammatory therapy: Bunions reside at the joint, and as such, may be addressed with oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications.
Surgery: If conservative measures fail, then surgical intervention can be considered to re-establish joint alignment in an effort to resolve the bunion deformity and associated pain.