Treatment options

Non-surgical treatment options

In many cases, the symptoms of bunions can be treated without surgery. Some options that can relieve pain and aid mobility include:

Changes in footwear

  • Wider, flat shoes that do not restrict the toes can relieve pressure on joints and ease discomfort

  • Padding can cushion the bunion, protecting it from rubbing against the edge of the shoe

  • Orthotics, or shoe-inserts, can take pressure off your feet and the bunion, reducing friction and pain

Icing the affected area

Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Surgical treatment options

While non-surgical treatments can ease the burden of living with bunions, they are by no means a long-term solution and do not correct the root cause of bunions. To ensure bunion pain doesn’t continue, mobility is preserved, and the appearance of your foot is improved, there are several surgical options your physician may recommend:

Soft tissue correction

Usually done in combination with bone alignment surgery (osteotomy), this procedure can shorten the loose tissues and lengthen the tight ones to create balance in the soft tissues around the big toe.

Osteotomy

This procedure involves smaller cuts to the bones in the foot in order to realign the joint. Once cut, the surgeon fixes the break with pins, screws, and plates, making the bones straighter and the joint balanced.

Arthrodesis

This procedure involves removing the arthritic joint surfaces and inserting screws, wires, or plates to hold the surface together until healed.

Bunionectomy

This procedure involves removing the bump from the toe joint. It is usually performed in combination with soft tissue procedures, but even so, it rarely corrects the cause of bunions and does not prevent the bunion deformity from returning2

No bunion is created equal

Bunions are as unique as the people who have them. And the best treatment is the one that specifically addresses yours. Your doctor can help guide you through your treatment choices.

Learn more about PROstep minimally invasive bunion correction surgery

Learn more about Lapifuse bunion correction surgery

Important information

Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks, anticipated implant duration and possible outcomes.

AP-015739

Please upgrade your internet browser.

Our website was designed for a range of browsers. However, if you would like to use many of our latest and greatest features, please upgrade to a modern, fully supported browser.

Find the latest versions of modern supported browsers »

Note: If you are browsing in Internet Explorer 9 or later, and you are still seeing this message, you may be in Compatability Mode. Look for the Compability View icon in your Address bar, or the Compatability View and Compatability View settings from the Tools Menu in your Internet Explorer toolbar (hit the ALT key if your menu bar is hidden). If you are on an Intranet, you may need to contact your IT Support about Compatability View settings and whitelists.