A painful bunion can become an unwelcome and burdensome presence in your life. Things can get so bad that you’d do almost anything to get relief and fix the problem. But if you had the choice between bunion surgery or an equally effective yet minimally invasive alternative, you would likely choose the latter.
At CDA Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand that no one wants to have surgery if they don’t need to. That is why we always consider non-surgical treatment options if we believe they can provide our patients with a practical solution to their foot and ankle problems. Fortunately, there are several minimally invasive alternatives that can help alleviate bunion pain without surgery. In those cases where surgery is necessary, we can still avoid traditional, invasive bunion surgery using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments
For many patients suffering from bunion pain, we can provide effective and lasting relief through non-surgical treatments and lifestyle modifications, including:
- Loose or open-toed shoes. The pressure and irritation caused by tight-fitting or too-narrow footwear can make bunion pain worse. Overly restrictive shoes or high heels push the toes forward, causing similar pressure and friction. Try wearing open-toed or roomier shoes when possible.
- Apply cold. Inflammation is the main culprit behind bunion pain. Applying cold to the bunion and surrounding area helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling and inflammation. Use an icepack or a bag of frozen peas covered in a washcloth and apply it to the big toe joint for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
- Anti-inflammatory meds. To further decrease swelling and reduce pain, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. Severe bunions may require a cortisone injection directly to the joint to reduce inflammation.
- Protective pads. Insert a moleskin pad or gel into your shoes to cushion the bunion and shield it from friction.
- Custom orthotics. Orthotic shoe inserts can help correct the foot mechanics that cause bunions to develop. If over-the-counter molded shoe inserts that you can buy at your local pharmacy don’t work, your podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics made specifically for your feet.
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
If the conservative treatments described above don’t provide sufficient relief from bunion pain, we may suggest minimally invasive bunion surgery as an alternative to traditional, invasive bunion surgery.
Our surgeons, well-known and widely respected for their leadership in the advancement of minimally invasive surgery, use specially designed and ultra-precise surgical instruments and devices, along with an advanced imaging system called a fluoroscope, to see inside the effected area without needing to make large incisions. We then remove your bunion, realign the big toe and shift it over. No internal hardware is required.
We only use local anesthesia, not general, and we perform the procedure on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, comfortable and certified surgery center. After surgery, our patients can immediately go home to rest and recover.
Learn More About Minimally Invasive Bunion Treatments. Schedule Your Appointment With Coeur d’Alene Foot and Ankle Clinic Today.
At CDA Foot & Ankle Clinic, we can address bunions safely and effectively, usually without the need for surgery. Our innovative approaches, especially minimally invasive bunion surgery, have provided relief for hundreds of patients suffering from hallux valgus. The first steps in treatment, however, are understanding what a bunion is and recognizing and diagnosing the condition.
Call us today at (208) 666-0605 to schedule your appointment and learn more about minimally invasive bunion treatment options.
