How are bunions treated?
Simply resting the foot by avoiding excessive walking and wearing loose (wider) shoes or sandals can often relieve the irritating pain of bunions. Walking shoes may have some advantages, for example, over high-heeled styles that tug the big toe outward. Anti-inflammation medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, can help to ease inflammation as well as pain. Local cold pack application is sometimes helpful as well. To reduce tension on the inner part of the joint of a bunion, stretching exercises are sometimes given. A bunion splint, usually worn at night, can provide further relief. Depending on the structure of the foot, custom insoles might add further support and repositioning. Inflammation of the joint at the base of the big toe can often be relieved by a local injection of cortisone. Any signs of skin breakdown or infection can require antibiotics. When the measures above are effective in relieving symptoms, patients should avoid irritating the bunion again by optimiz
