Treatment of Bunion

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Other than surgery, there are no devices to correct a bunion once it has started to form. However, the following treatment can help to control existing bunions:

Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Avoid high-heeled, pointed and tight shoes, and instead wear flat shoes that have enough room for you to move your toes in. Padding over the bunion may help to prevent further rubbing. Your GP or podiatrist (specialist foot doctor) can advise you of the best way to do this.
For very severe bunions, specialist wide footwear may be necessary. This is sometimes called orthopaedic footwear, and can be made to measure. If your bunion is very painful, you should talk to your GP or podiatrist about this.
Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease the pain caused by a bunion. If the bunion develops as part of a more widespread arthritis, then other medication may be advised. Antibiotics may be needed if the bunion becomes infected.
Day or night splints may be worn on the foot to slow the development of bunions. They are sometimes recommended for post-operative recovery as you start to use the foot again.
For bunions that are linked to foot shape or the way that you walk, many podiatrists recommend wearing special insoles (orthoses) in the shoes to correct this and prevent the bunion from getting worse.
Surgery is the only way to completely remove the deformity. The bony growth (bunion) is usually removed, and the bones of the big toe are realigned. Post-operative care is very important following this type of surgery to make sure the bunion does not reoccur. Recovery can take up to six weeks, and supportive devices are usually necessary to encourage the foot to heal correctly. Normal walking and other activities can be resumed after this time.