Bunions Q & A

Fair Oaks Podiatry and Sports Medicine treats bunions with medications or surgery. Medications often reduce the pain and swelling caused by bunions. Pain-relieving medications available over-the-counter will mitigate pain yet additional treatment will likely be necessary. Our medical professionals are here to determine if you can benefit from cortisone injections that reduce swelling, specifically in the pads filled with fluid that provide cushioning support for the bones. If necessary, surgery will be performed to remove the bunions.

Surgery is optimal for those who cannot bend/straighten the toe as a result of stiffness, those with a significant deformity and those who have prolonged pain and inflammation. The surgery realigns the metatarsophalangeal joint, relieves pain and corrects deformities responsible for the underlying problem. The weakened joint tissues will be shortened, ultimately boosting the toe’s length. If necessary, the repair of tendons and ligaments will be performed along with an osteotomy that realigns the joint. However, non-surgical methods are also available to minimize the pain of bunions. Examples include medications, padding, changing shoes, etc.