Conservative Therapies (Non-Surgical)

The pain associated with bunion deformity has two primary sources: those outside the foot and those within the foot itself. The pain caused by bunions may be due to pressure from tight shoe gear. High heeled shoes or dress shoes (especially those with stiff, narrow toe regions) will cause irritation at the bump. Typically, wearing the proper shoe gear, shoes with plenty of room to accommodate the bunion in both depth and width, will relieve this pain. Furthermore, proper shoes should have a soft, flexible upper or covering.

Arch supports in the shoes can also be helpful in both decreasing the amount of pain and helping slow the progression of the deformity. Abnormal foot motions that contribute to the development of the bunion can be decreased by arch supports. Many athletic shoes come with good arch supports in them. Special supports or shoe inserts (orthoses) are also available both pre-made at many stores or can be specifically made for your foot by your doctor. Often these supports, in conjunction with proper footwear, can slow the development of a bunion by maintaining the proper alignment of the foot.

While improved shoegear, with or without orthoses, will almost always help with "bump" pain, other modalities can be used when the pain is caused by degenerative arthritis in the joint. Ice, anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, and steroid injections can help with the inflammation and discomfort. Physical therapy treatments may also be used to help alleviate the arthritis symptoms.