Is There a Cure for Bunions?

Are you wondering if there is a cure for bunions? Unsurprisingly it’s a common question that many bunion sufferers ask. 

This article explores non-invasive treatments and the most effective method of “curing” a bunion – surgery.

Curing a Bunion

Bunions are difficult to deal with. They can lead to symptoms like pain, discomfort, swelling, calluses, corns, limited movement, and ingrown toenails.

Fortunately, several non-invasive and surgical treatments can reduce bunion discomfort and may even eliminate bunions.

Non-Invasive Bunion Treatments

Surgery is the only way to eliminate a bunion. However, some non-invasive treatments can reduce bunion symptoms and make the condition more tolerable.
Here are some to consider:

• Wear Roomy Shoes - Roomy shoes provides space for the bunion extrusion. They minimise pain and can prevent the bunion from getting worse.
• Bunion Pads – To protect the bunion, you can wear bunion pads or cushions to relieve pain and prevent corns and calluses from forming. They can often be worn with socks and footwear.
• OTC Medication - Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen may reduce bunion pain. They are classed as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and do not require a prescription.
• Cortisone Injections - Also called steroid injections, cortisone injections reduce pain and inflammation at the injection site. They contain an anesthetic and can last a few weeks or several months depending on the severity of the bunion. They are a temporary pain relief solution.
• Shoe Inserts - Footwear Insoles and inserts are modeled to evenly distribute pressure across your feet and may relieve bunion pain. If you are experiencing severe pain, talk to a doctor about a prescription for an orthotic device.
• Ice Treatments - This can reduce pain and inflammation after you’ve spent a considerable amount of time on your feet.

Surgical Treatments for Bunions

Doctors try to discourage surgical treatments for bunions. However, it may be the only option if your bunion is extremely painful or if it reduces mobility.
There are three types of bunion surgery available as follows:

Exostectomy

This type of surgery is recommended for minor bunions. It involves shaving off the extruding bone to reduce discomfort.

However, its failure to realign the bone means it does not address the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is often combined with osteotomy or soft tissue correction.

Osteotomy

An osteotomy involves the surgeon making small incisions in the foot to access the joint and realign it. Pins, plates, or screws may be used to hold the joint in place.
Ligaments and tendons that may have tightened around the joint may require correction to help maintain the joint’s new position.

Head-type bunion surgery is the most common type of osteotomy. It involves cutting the first metatarsal of the big toe to shift it toward the second metatarsal bone to provide a parallel alignment. The surgery is straightforward, and patients typically recover within eight weeks.

Base-type bunion surgery also involves a cut on the first metatarsal of the big toe, but the cut is made on the base of the toe rather than the head. It provides a larger angle for deformity correction. However, base-type surgery is less consistent. It also requires a greater incision and a more extensive and complex recovery period. It has fallen out of favor with many surgeons.

Fusion Procedures (Arthrodesis)

Arthrodesis is typically recommended for patients with arthritis. Arthritis can deform the foot and cause bunions.

This surgery involves removing parts of the big toe that are affected by arthritis. Screws are then inserted into the toe to hold the bones together while they heal. The procedure reduces the chances of bunions reoccurring and can address severe deformities.

Arthrodesiscan result in extensive downtime, but due to advances in technology, the surgery is now less invasive.

Cure and Prevention

Depending on how severe your bunion is, prevention is key to reduce the likelihood of a bunion developing. However, if your bunion has already progressed to a difficult stage, then pain management is the best course of action.

Depending on how severe your bunion is, prevention is key to reduce the likelihood of a bunion developing. However, if your bunion has already progressed to a difficult stage, then pain management is the best course of action.

Unfortunately there’s no way to reverse a bunion naturally and the only way to cure a bunion is by surgery. You can find out more about the bunion surgery here.