Bunions (Hallux Abducto Valgus) is a very common condition in which the 1st digit is misaligned resulting in pain and discomfort. The cause of this condition is often largely genetic, but ill-fitting shoes and high heels can increase the progression and even cause bunions in some cases.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, surgery is not the only option. Although bunions are usually a progressive condition (meaning it gets worse over time), this does not mean it can only be managed with surgery and other options are available. Surgery is often a last resort for patients and some bunion surgery can be unsuccessful.

What are the non-surgical management options for bunions?

Although it is not possible to reverse the damage that has already occurred or “get rid of the bunion” without surgery, the pain and discomfort associated with bunions can be managed with the following:

• Footwear - supportive footwear which fits well and accommodates the bunion can reduce pain and potentially slow progression (over wearing ill-fitting shoes)

• Gel and silicone covers - can reduce friction on the affected big toe joint, thus reducing pain and discomfort

• Orthotics - can reduce pain and discomfort by distributing forces appropriately throughout the foot and a first ray accomodation or cut out may increase the big toes’ ability to move

• Mobilization and manipulation - may improve the function of the big toe, foot and ankle thereby increasing mobility and reducing pain and discomfort

• Exercises - toe separation, heel raises, and toe rotations

What are the surgical options for treating bunions?

Surgery is a treatment option for cosmetic reasons or if there is pain and discomfort. There are excellent podiatric and orthopedic surgeons we can recommend based on your personal circumstances.

Bunion correction surgery, also known as a 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint osteotomy, is a procedure that can correct the alignment of the big toe.

There are various techniques such as the Chevron technique and Scarf osteotomy. This should be discussed with your surgeon to decide the best technique to use.

You will need to discuss your medical history with the surgeon, consider the risks and recovery time prior to proceeding.

You can book an appointment with us to discuss bunions and any other foot concern. We treat feet from all over Sydney, particularly the Eastern Suburbs. As podiatrists in Bondi Junction, we are happy to treat anyone that comes to our Sydney clinic. Our local area includes Bondi Junction, Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Rose Bay, Tamarama, Coogee, Randwick, Bellevue Hill, Dover Heights, Vaucluse, and Edgecliff.

References

2009 JEDYNAK T, Treating Hallux Abducto Valgus (Bunions) Conservatively Through Foot Mobilisation Techniques and Exercise Therapy Podiatry Now Oct p12-­‐15.

Klugarova, J., Hood, V., Bath-Hextall, F., Klugar, M., Mareckova, J., & Kelnarova, Z. (2017). Effectiveness of surgery for adults with hallux valgus deformity: a systematic review. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 15(6), 1671-1710.

Ying, J., Xu, Y., István, B., & Ren, F. (2021). Adjusted indirect and mixed comparisons of conservative treatments for hallux valgus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(7), 3841.