Bunions: A Guide for Patients

Understanding the Bunions: A Guide for Patients

Bunions are a common foot condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. If you’re living in Calgary and experiencing symptoms of bunions, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified podiatrist to determine the best treatment options for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most effective treatment options for bunions, including non-surgical and surgical options.

Non-surgical Options:

1. Shoe inserts/Custom Orthotics: A podiatrist in Calgary can recommend shoes with adequate room in the toes, or inserts that can provide support and cushioning, to alleviate bunion pain. Custom orthotics can also support instability in your foot that leads to a bunion, thus slowing down the process.
2. Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce pain in the affected joint, under the guidance of a podiatrist.
3. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve bunion pain, as recommended by a podiatrist in Calgary.
4. Bunion pads: Soft bunion pads can provide cushioning and reduce pressure on the affected joint, and can be recommended by a podiatrist in Calgary.

Surgical Options:

1. Bunionectomy: This is a surgical procedure that removes the bunion and realigns the bones in the foot, performed by a podiatrist in Calgary. It is typically recommended for bunions that have not responded to non-surgical treatments.
2. Arthrodesis: This is a surgical procedure that fuses the bones in the big toe joint or the midfoot joint, reducing pain and improving stability, performed by a podiatrist in Calgary. This is typically reserved for patients with severe bunions and/or arthritis.

It’s important to keep in mind that each case of bunion is unique and the best treatment option will depend on several factors, including the severity of the condition, overall health, and lifestyle. Your podiatrist in Calgary can help you determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

In conclusion, bunions can be treated with a range of non-surgical and surgical options, as recommended by a podiatrist in Calgary, or visit Feldman and Leavitt Foot & Ankle Specialist. From shoe inserts and stretching exercises to bunionectomy and osteotomy, there are several treatment options available for bunions. If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort from a bunion, consider seeking the help of a qualified podiatrist in Calgary to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

As a general rule, surgical bunion procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in an Alberta Health Services (AHS) approve Surgical Center or in a Hospital. Surgical procedural costs are covered by AHS or the patient may opt for private surgery to avoid a waiting time.