What Can I Do About My Bunions?

If you have a bunion, you know only too well how tender and uncomfortable they can be, especially when your shoes compress these bony lumps at the side of your big toe and create unpleasant friction.

At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic offices in Draper and Orem, Utah, our experienced podiatrist offers expert advice and treatment to help you manage your bunions.

Bunion formation basics

Bunions look like bony growths, but they form when the bones in your big toe’s lower joint (the metatarsophalangeal or MTP) become misaligned.

As the top of your big toe bends inward toward the second toe, it forces the bone at the bottom outward — just as when one end of a seesaw goes down, the other must go up.

The cause of the misalignment is abnormal force and pressure on the toe joint. The source of the unusual force is most likely abnormal foot development, such as flat feet or low arches. Your gait (how you walk) could also be a factor. 

However, these issues aren’t necessarily enough on their own. Other possible triggers include:

• Foot injuries
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Inflammatory joint disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Congenital deformities (those present at birth)
• Occupations such as ballet dancing

The role of footwear in bunion formation isn’t certain, but there’s undeniably a link. Pointed toes and high heels (often in the same pair of shoes) push the top of the big toe inward, increasing strain on the MTP joint. 

Tellingly, bunions affect significantly higher numbers of women, who wear these types of shoes far more often than men.

The importance of spotting bunions early

The sooner you notice a bunion, the sooner you can do something about it. The earlier you receive expert treatment for a bunion, the less likely it is to develop into a large, painful lump.

Fortunately, bunions take years to develop, so you have time to act. Checking your feet weekly is sensible anyway, enabling you to detect other problems like athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and ingrown toenails. 

If you also check the sides of your feet for developing lumps during your weekly inspection, you should spot the early stages of a bunion before it becomes painful. Visit us at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic if you think a bunion is forming so we can advise you on the next steps.

Of course, this advice might be too late with more advanced bunions. As they increase in size, bunions become red, and the skin over them stretches until it’s shiny. The discomfort starts when a bunion becomes large enough to rub inside your shoes. 

Eventually, bunions can be so painful they prevent you from walking far. If your bunions are at this advanced stage, don’t despair — our board-certified podiatrists offer hope for patients with the worst bunions.

Nonsurgical bunion treatments

The treatment we recommend for your bunion varies depending on how advanced it is and how badly it affects you. Milder bunions might respond to conservative treatments, including:

Home care

Home care might consist of the following:

• Using nonmedicated bunion pads
• Wearing spacers between the big and second toes
• Changing your shoes to ones with a broad, deep toe box
• Avoiding heels higher than 2 inches

You can also apply ice packs if bunions are inflamed and painful.

Padding and taping

Padding bunions protects them so you don’t feel as much discomfort. Taping keeps your foot bones in a healthy position, minimizing stress and pain.

Medication

Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cortisone (steroid) injections help with acute bunion pain and inflammation.

Orthotics

Orthotics are shoe inserts that protect the bunion and support your foot structure to relieve pressure. They’re available over-the-counter, or we offer a custom orthotics service at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic, designing the inserts to fit your feet.

Surgical bunion treatments

Hopefully, one or more of the above treatments relieves your bunion problem. However, if your bunions are severe, we may recommend surgery, including:

Minimally invasive bunion surgery

In minimally invasive bunion surgery, we use a burr rather than a saw to cut the foot bones. This approach enables your surgeon to perform the procedure via tiny incisions through your skin instead of the larger incisions traditionally used. 

The minimally invasive method causes less skin, muscle, and joint capsule damage, making your foot less painful afterward. Recovery is faster, and you should be able to return to your usual activities more quickly.

Chevron or Austin bunionectomy

During Chevron or Austin surgery, we make a V-shaped cut on the side of your metatarsal bone. Your surgeon can then reposition the bone’s head inside your foot, realigning the big toe and reducing the protuberance. 

We secure the repositioned bone with small internal screws or pins. Cutting the bone ensures long-lasting joint realignment and reduces the risk of a bunion recurring. 

Lapidus or lapiplasty surgery

Lapidus bunionectomy is a traditional surgery that removes the bony lump and realigns the foot bones. Small screws or pins hold the bones in position while you heal.

Lapiplasty is a newer, minimally invasive approach where we make tiny incisions in the side of your foot and insert specialized instruments. Your surgeon cuts and realigns your foot bones, fixing them with metal plates and screws.

We may recommend the Chevron or Austin bunionectomy if you have mild to moderate bunions, while severe bunions might require a Lapidus or lapiplasty approach. Your surgeon guides you through your options so you’re comfortable with your choice.

If you’re wondering what to do about your bunions, call the office near you for knowledgeable advice or use online booking to arrange a consultation.