I get a lot of questions about what measures are helpful for conservative care of bunions.  I think it is important to know that although there are no conservative measures that will ever reverse, fix or change the size or appearance of your bunion there are a few things you can do to help slow the progression of it.  The only effective measure to ever fix or remove your bunion is surgical.  There are a few things you can do to make your bunion more comfortable.

The first thing I always recommend is stretching your calf muscles.  Your calf muscles impart force on your feet and lengthening them can help reduce this force.  Google a couple calf stretching exercises and perform them a few times a day. 

Secondly, no bare feet can be helpful.  Most people that develop a bunion have a mechanically unstable foot.  Wearing a sandal or slipper around the house can help slow the deforming forces creating the bunion.  I like a good recovery sandal or a nice pair of slippers with arch support.  Socks do not count, they do nothing to support your foot.

A prescription orthotic is your biggest help in slowing down the progression of your bunion.   We are not talking about something you buy online, buy from a shoe store or some other venue.  A prescription orthotic is made by a physician.  This is a medical device that is often covered by insurance.  This is made after a biomechanical examination of the lower extremity and gait.  This is often done with a 3-D image of the foot to capture the foot structure. 

Things that absolutely do not work and are a waste of money.  Toe correction devices you see online.  If a bunion could be fixed this way, there would never be another bunion surgery ever.  Toe spacers can be helpful in reducing rubbing but again these will not fix your bunion.  If you are suffering from bunion pain I can help. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson