Nonsurgical Treatments for Bunions
If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from bunions, you know that they can be a real pain. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be quite painful, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. If you're looking for relief from your bunion symptoms, you may be considering surgery. But before you go under the knife, read on for information about nonsurgical treatments that may help.
What is a bunion and what are the symptoms
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe that is caused by the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint) becoming enlarged and swollen. This can cause the big toe to angle towards the other toes, which can lead to pain, swelling, and redness around the joint. The symptoms of a bunion can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
-pain at the joint
-swelling
-redness
-a bump on the side of the foot
-difficulty walking
Possible causes for hallux valgus or bunion
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of a bunion, including:
-tight shoes
-high heels
-a genetic predisposition
-arthritis
-obesity
-previous pain / injury in the lower extremity
-gait abnormality
What are the nonsurgical treatments for bunions to improve the hallux valgus angle?
There are a number of nonsurgical treatments available for bunions, including:
- Padding and taping: This involves using padding or bandages to protect the bunion and help keep it in place.
- Orthotic devices: These are custom-made inserts that fit into your shoes and help correct the alignment of your feet.
- Icing: Applying ice to the bunion can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Medications: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Wearing shoe inserts or pads can help relieve pressure on the joint and may be one of the first-line treatments recommended by a doctor. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. Applying ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can also be helpful in managing symptoms.
Patients should also make sure they are wearing shoes that fit properly and do not put pressure on the joint. This may mean avoiding high heels or tight shoes. And finally, avoiding activities that put stress on the joint, such as running or high-impact sports, is important in managing symptoms and preventing further damage.
When treating hallux valgus or bunion, it is important to look at the whole leg and spine in order to understand the biomechanics of the toes. This will help to determine the root cause of the problem and provide an appropriate treatment plan. If there is an issue with the biomechanics of the leg or spine, it may be necessary to treat these areas in order to improve foot function and alleviate symptoms.
The benefits of manual therapy for bunion
Manual therapy is a form of treatment that uses the hands to move the body's tissues. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including bunions.
Manual therapy for bunions may involve massaging and stretching the muscles and tendons around the joint. This can help to relieve tension and inflammation, which can improve pain and function. Manual therapy may also involve mobilizing the joint, which can help to increase range of moti