What is the Fastest Way to Heal a Bunion?

A Quick Guide to Fast Bunion Healing Techniques

Bunions develop when constant pressure on the big toe causes it to move out of its normal position toward the other toes. While there's no instant cure for bunions, treatment is meant to ease the pain and prevent their progression. Although only an operation can correct a bunion completely, non-surgical options can provide a lot of relief.

Keep reading to understand how a bunion can be treated.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony growth that develops on the joint at the base of your great toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This is the joint that joins the base of the big toe to the rest of the foot. A bunion is also referred to as hallux valgus, and it forms when the joint slowly drifts out of position.

If you feel a bump on your large toe and experience stiffness, pain, or numbness, it's wise to see a healthcare expert.

What is the Treatment for Bunions?

Bunion treatment varies with the severity of the condition and the amount of pain. Treatment measures are customized based on the person's needs and may span from adjustments in lifestyle to surgery. Some of the effective treatment options for bunions are listed below:

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatments can reduce pain and slow progression but cannot reverse the bunion deformity. If symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be recommended.. Your doctor can recommend the following:

• Different Shoes: Wear comfortable, supportive, and roomy shoes. A roomy toe box shoe accommodates your toes and puts minimal pressure on the bunion.
• Padding: Unmedicated, available over-the-counter bunion cushions or pads can relieve discomfort. These act as a cushioning barrier between your shoe and bunion, decreasing friction and pain.
• Pain-Relieving Medicines: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) may reduce pain caused by a bunion. In some instances, cortisone injections are also prescribed to reduce swelling.
• Shoe Inserts: Cushioned shoe inserts redistribute pressure evenly across your feet when walking, which should relieve symptoms and stop the bunion from worsening. Depending on the amount of support needed, over-the-counter support and custom orthotic appliances (prescription aids) can be acquired.
• Cold Treatment: An ice pack placed on your bunion, particularly after prolonged standing or if you experience inflammation, will minimize pain and swelling. Always wrap the ice in a towel to prevent direct contact with the skin, and use it for 15–20 minutes at a time.

If you suffer from circulatory problems or neuropathy, discuss the use of ice with your healthcare provider.

Can a Bunion Be Corrected Without Surgery?

While bunion development can be slowed and symptoms treated conservatively, bunions cannot be corrected by non-surgical means. If pain persists with conservative management or if a bunion hinders one from performing the usual activities of daily living, surgery might be indicated.

Bunion surgery is actually indicated for the relief of pain and not for cosmetic reasons. There are various different operations for bunions, and the best one will depend on the individual case. The operation may be one of the following or a combination of them:

• Excision of the inflamed tissue overlying the big toe joint
• Straightening of the toe by removing part of the bone
• Boning up at the front of the foot to straighten the joint of the toe
• Permanent joining together of the affected joint

There are specific bunion procedures that permit partial weight-bearing on the procedure itself, but recovery will often take around six months. Long-term outcomes are reliant to a large degree on proper footwear following surgery.

Wearing narrow or poorly fitting shoes can prevent the recurrence of bunions. People should not revert to tight or pointed shoes post-surgery. Always visit the health care provider to discuss what to anticipate before and after bunion surgery and discover the best treatment plan for you.

Along with timely care, a health insurance policy can help protect your hard-earned money during health adversities. Star Health provides comprehensive health insurance benefits under general insurance plans, with cashless claims and trouble-free treatment at more than 14,000 network hospitals across India.