A bunion is an abnormality of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot. The condition causes an abnormal positioning of the big toe and an enlargement of the affected joint. The joint may swell and cause severe pain. Bunions form because of a birth defect, ill-fitted or high-heeled shoes, heredity or an injury to the joint. A bunion, commonly referred to as a bunionette or a tailor's bunion, may also form on the joint of the smallest toe. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. Surgery is the only way to correct a bunion and other treatment options help alleviate the pain associated with the condition.
Change Shoes
Tight shoes, such as those with pointed toes or a narrow toe area, and high heels can cause the formation of a bunion. As such, changing shoe types can help reduce the symptoms of the condition. Shoes with a low heel and a wide area for the toes are best for individuals with a bunion. Individuals with a bunion should not wear shoes with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches, according to MayoClinic.com.
Therapy and Medications
Bunion pads, which are available at drugstores, stick to the skin, covering the bunion and can help cushion the bony prominence formed from the bunion. To help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain, an individual with a bunion can apply an ice pack to the foot two to three times each day, according to MayoClinic.com. Placing spacers between the toes at night will help keep the proper alignment for the toes. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with a bunion. An injection of corticosteroids placed directly into the affected joint can help reduce the inflammation in the joint, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Surgery
Bunions that cause severe pain and deformity of the toes and foot need surgical correction. More than 100 operations exist that can help correct the bunion, depending on the severity of the bunion, according to MedlinePlus. The goal of the surgery is to correct the deformity, realign the joint and stop the pain. Bunion surgeries are outpatient procedures, but individuals take months to fully recover and have all the swelling and pain resolve, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
