Read up on Bunions treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Bunions

Key points about treatments

If you have bunions, they may hurt and make it hard for you to walk and wear shoes. And you may worry that they will get worse. But treatments can help.

Some simple treatments can help your bunions hurt less. But only an operation can get rid of them. Your doctor may suggest surgery if your bunions are causing you a lot of problems.

This information is about treating bunions in adults. If your child has bunions, see Bunions and children.

Key points about treating bunions

Wearing insoles in your shoes can protect your big toe and support your foot. Insoles may help your bunion hurt less in the short term.
We don't know for sure if splints you wear at night help.
Only surgery can get rid of your bunion.
There are more than 100 types of operations for bunions. The type you have depends on things such as how bad your bunion is.
Most people have fewer problems after bunion surgery. But your big toe may not be perfectly straight and free of pain afterward. And it may take up to a year to get better.
We need more research to know the best way to hold your bones in place after surgery, the best cover for your foot and how soon you should start putting weight on it.

This information was last updated on Apr 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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