Beverly Hills Podiatry

How to Treat a Bunion: Surgical and Non-Surgical Methods

Are you sick and tired of being in agony because of your bunions? Bunion treatment can be quick and easy with both conservative and more invasive treatments offered by Stand Tall Podiatry in Beverly Hills that can help reduce your symptoms. Numerous options are available to help you regain your quality of life, from non-invasive treatments like physical therapy and shoe inserts to referring on for invasive surgeries like bunionectomy and fusion operations.

Introduction to Bunion

A bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint due to inflammation of the overlying adventitious bursa, which occurs either at the base of the first or fifth toe. A Bursa is a fibrous sac which occurs between the tendon and the bone.  It acts as a small cushion which allows the tendon, as it contracts and relaxes, to move over the bone. A bunion that occurs at the joint at the base of the fifth toe, is commonly called a Tailor’s bunion, whereas when it occurs at the base of the first toe, it is associated with a Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV) deformity. HAV is a deformity in which the first toe is angulated away from the mid-line of the body, toward the other toes.

Treatment can include

  • Strengthening exercises of the abductor hallucis muscles.
  • Stretching of the adductor muscle with the aid of a HAV night splint.
  • Footwear advice.
  • Accommodative shields and padding to protect the bunions.
  • Orthoses which will address any structural abnormalities causing abnormal or excessive foot motion.
  • Surgery is recommended only if conservative treatment fails.

What causes a bunion?

Bunions are caused by the mechanical malfunction of the first or fifth metatarso phalangeal joint, which occurs during the weight bearing phase of the walking cycle.

  • Abnormal foot mechanics which cause excessive foot pronation.
  • Inflammatory disease e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • Congenital plantarflexed/dorsiflexed 5th ray deformity.
  • Neuromuscular disease.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Bunions

At Stand Tall Podiatry, depending on the severity of the bunion and the patient’s tastes, there are a number of approaches that can be taken by our expert podiatrist for treating the condition. Wearing firm shoes and splinting the foot are two non-surgical options. In extreme instances, surgery may be necessary.

Bunion discomfort can be lessened without resorting to surgery if supportive shoes are worn. Pain relief and increased movement are two additional benefits of splinting. People who suffer from bunions may opt for surgical intervention. Procedures that do not involve cutting into the body are also an option. Custom orthotics and medical grade footwear therapy are two examples of non-surgical treatment choices suggested by Beverly hills podiatrists.

Surgery for Bunions

Conservative care can slow down the progression of a bunion and should always be attempted first. However, the continuous wearing of improper fitting shoes such as high heels or shoes with poor arch support will cause your bunions to become more severe. Eventually, a mild bunion deformity progresses into a moderate or severely sized bunion. Only surgical correction can permanently stop a mild bunion’s progression into a moderate deformity. At Stand Tall Podiatry, we strive to provide you with the best bunion treatment in Beverly Hills has to offer, so contact us today.

Bunion surgery recovery

Bone healing takes a minimum of six to eight weeks in healthy individuals. Patients often return to their normal activities and shoe gear within six weeks to three months.

Get in Touch with Our Beverly Hills Podiatrist Right Away

Please don’t hesitate to call or book online if you have any concerns or would like to make an appointment.

Call the clinic today at 0417648888 or send an email to info@standtallpodiatry.com.

This is where you can find us:

Stand Tall Podiatry

Address: Tenancy 4, 1205 Canterbury Rd, Roselands NSW 2196