How to Treat Bunions
Disease description:
This bunion on my foot is really tormenting me. The bone next to my big toe keeps getting bigger, and my shoes always squeeze and hurt it. Sometimes after walking too much, my whole foot becomes extremely painful. Additionally, the shape of my foot has become very unattractive, and I feel embarrassed to wear open-toed shoes anymore. I'd like to ask, how should this bunion be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Known as hallux valgus, a bunion is commonly treated through the following methods:
1. Wearing appropriate shoes: Choose wide, comfortable shoes that do not constrict the feet. Avoid high heels, pointed shoes, and other tight footwear to reduce pressure on the feet.
2. Using orthotic devices: Such as arch supports or orthopedic shoe inserts, which can help adjust foot posture and reduce pain in the big toe area.
3. Physical therapy: Including massage, hot compresses, and physical manipulation techniques, which can improve blood circulation and alleviate pain and muscle tension.
4. Exercising foot muscles: Specific foot exercises can strengthen the muscles of the feet, helping to improve foot posture and relieve symptoms.
5. Medication: Patients experiencing significant pain may use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain and inflammation.
6. Soft tissue repair: Such as cutting or tightening ligaments and tendons to improve the alignment of the big toe.
7. Bone surgery: Such as osteotomy, which involves reshaping and repositioning bones to correct hallux valgus.
Mild cases can often be effectively managed with nonsurgical methods, while severe or refractory cases may require surgical treatment.
