A bunion may be an unsightly bony bump that forms on the large toe's joint. According to the Mayo Clinic, this joint increases in size, so the big toe may jut out of its normal position. Symptoms of a bunion include redness or pain at the big toe's joint, thick skin near the toe, calluses (collection of dried skin) between the first and second toe and problems moving the toe. Left untreated, bunions can grow larger and create more havoc.
Shoe Changes and Taping
According to the Mayo Clinic, simply changing shoes to a better fitting pair can help decrease the bunion from worsening. Often shoes that are too narrow for the feet can force the toe joints to assume positions they are not meant to take. Also, placing shoe inserts (orthotics) into the shoes can help play a role in restricting foot movement. Also, arch supports are available to relieve bunion symptoms. In some cases, a physician will pad and tape the foot so that it assumes its normal position. This, in turn, relieves any pressure on the feet.
Medications
Medications such as naproxen and cortisone shots, can be used to control bunion pain. MedlinePlus says that naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works to decrease inflammation and pain. It also treats the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstruation, the common cold, toothaches and backaches. Use of naproxen can cause diarrhea, constipation, a headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, trouble hearing and lightheadedness. Naproxen's more serious side effects include back pain, visual changes, trouble swallowing or breathing, yellowing of the skin and painful urination.
A cortisone shot is a corticosteroid used to reduce pain and inflammation. Cortisone is typically injected into the tiny joints of the hands and feet. It is also injected into the joints of the ankle, wrists, knees, elbow, spine, hip and wrist. The Mayo Clinic says that cortisone's side effects include joint infections, skin thinning at the injection site, nerve damage and lightening of skin around the injection site. Cortisone can also cause bone death (osteonecrosis), nerve damage and thinning of the bone (osteoporosis).
Surgery
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that a variety of surgeries can treat bunions. Each has the same goal of decreasing pain and putting the big toe joint back into its normal position. Surgeons may opt to repair the tendons (connect muscle to bone) or ligaments (connects bone to bone). Also, they may removed the damaged joint and place screws, plates and wires to hold the joint in place. This is medically known as arthrodesis.
Exostectomy refers to removal of the bunion's characteristic bump. Resection arthroplasty refers to removing the damaged joint, and osteomy refers to cutting out and realigning the joint.
