4 Treatment Options For Bunions

Bunions can be a huge hassle. Whether you just want to enjoy a nice walk outside or you need to stay on your feet at work, bunions can make it difficult to move around with comfort. Unfortunately, most people are relatively unversed on bunions, including what they are and how to treat them. As a result, many people opt for treatment options that are simply not effective.

For example, though bunion correctors are readily available and a low-cost treatment option, the experts at Northwest Surgery Center advise against them. When it comes down to it, bunion correctors cannot undo the damage done by ill-fitting shoes and age. Instead, you will need to choose one of the following treatment options to relieve bunion-related pain and discomfort:

Shoe Inserts

Bunion pads and regular shoe inserts can both help relieve bunion pain. Shoe inserts ensure that your foot is comfortable and snug in different shoes, while bunion pads are specifically designed to cushion bunions against the shoe interior. Either way, this is a cost-effective way to alleviate bunion pain without having to go under the knife.

Pain Medication

Since bunions rarely present a serious medical concern, most people treat them with OTC medications. While these are certainly effective for short-term pain relief, they may not be a feasible long-term option. Many pain medications can be addictive. Moreover, you might need to take more and more to experience the same degree of pain relief. With time, this could even lead to an overdose or other serious medical issues. As a result, pain medication should only be used as a temporary solution.

Cold Compress

Repeatedly applying cold to your bunion can help alleviate foot pain. However, if you stop applying cold for some time, the pain will inevitably return. Consequently, this is another short-term solution. However, combining cold compresses or ice packs with shoe inserts or bunion pads can help reduce pain even further. In fact, using multiple treatment options is often the best way to keep bunion pain at bay. Just be sure to consider the costs, as repeatedly buying new bunion pads, pain medication, and cold compresses could end up being far more expensive than a one-time bunion removal surgery.

Bunionectomy

Most people who have bunions try to avoid surgery. However, if your bunions cause you enough pain to decrease your mobility or reduce your quality of life, you should definitely consider a bunionectomy. Contrary to popular belief, this is a relatively quick procedure that isn’t as invasive as many other corrective surgeries.

That said, you will have to consider the recovery time before choosing this treatment option. In most cases, you will need to wear a protective boot for several weeks after the surgery. Additionally, you will need to stay off your feet for at least a few days. This could make it difficult to return to work or your regular routine. Nonetheless, a bunionectomy is the only way to permanently correct a bunion and rid yourself of bunion pain.