Non-operative Bunion Treatment

Symptomatic relief may be obtained by applying ice to the feet for approximately 15 minutes at a time, three to four times during the day. This will help reduce the pain and swelling.

The proper footwear is also essential in relieving the discomfort of bunions. Narrow-toed shoes and high-heeled shoes should be avoided. Sandals or wider shoes with padded heels should be considered instead. If the bunion is small, padding inside the shoe is another option. There are a variety of effective pads and toe spacers available on the market to help prevent the big toe from moving outward. The pads can also help to relieve the pressure against the bunion while wearing shoes. Some patients can also benefit from custom-molded orthotics, which will help keep the feet stable and properly aligned, thus helping to prevent further progression of the condition.