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Bunion Treatment in Pune
Get expert bunion treatment in Pune with orthopaedic surgeons providing deformity correction, alignment restoration, and post-surgical care.
Overview
A bunion, medically called hallux valgus, is a common foot deformity that appears as a bony bump at the base of your big toe. This happens when your big toe starts pointing toward your other toes instead of straight ahead, causing the bone at its base to stick out on the inner side of your foot.
Bunions aren’t just a cosmetic issue – they can cause real pain and make daily activities difficult.
When bunions form on the little toe, they’re called bunionettes or “tailor’s bunions.” These small bumps can be just as uncomfortable as regular bunions.
Symptoms
Bunion symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include:
- A visible bony bump on the inside of your foot at the base of your big toe
- Your big toe angling toward your other toes
- Pain or tenderness around the bunion, especially when wearing shoes
- Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the bump
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Corns or calluses where your toes rub together
- Stiffness in your big toe that makes walking painful
- Numbness around your big toe
- Thick, painful skin on the bottom of your foot
If left untreated, severe bunions can cause other toe problems like hammertoe or crossover toe.
Causes
Bunions develop gradually due to several factors working together:
Primary Causes:
- Genetics – Bunions often run in families. You inherit foot shapes and structures that make you more likely to develop them
- Poor footwear – Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes force your big toe into an unnatural position
- Foot mechanics – Flat feet, high arches, or unusual walking patterns can increase your risk
- Foot injuries – Past injuries can change how your foot works and lead to bunions
- Medical conditions – Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases can weaken joints and cause bunions
- Occupational factors – Jobs requiring lots of standing or walking can contribute to bunion development
Risk Factors
Certain factors make you more likely to develop bunions:
- Gender – Women are 15 times more likely to get bunions than men
- Family history – Over 70% of people with bunions have relatives who also have them
- Shoe choices – Regularly wearing high heels over 2 inches or narrow shoes
- Foot structure – Having flat feet, loose ligaments, or unstable joints
- Arthritis – Inflammatory joint diseases that weaken and inflame joints
- Previous injuries – Past foot trauma that changes foot structure
- Activity level – Jobs or sports that stress your feet repeatedly
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers diagnose bunions through several steps:
Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, footwear habits, family history, and any underlying health conditions that might contribute to bunions.
Physical Examination: During the exam, your doctor will:
- Look for the bony bump and toe alignment
- Check your toe’s range of motion
- Look for signs of inflammation or tenderness
- Watch how you walk to see if the bunion affects your movement
Imaging Tests
- X-rays are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis and see how severe the deformity is
- X-rays also help doctors plan treatment by showing bone alignment and any joint damage
- Blood tests might be needed if arthritis is suspected
Types
Bunions can affect different toes and appear at different ages:
- Standard bunions – The most common type, affecting the big toe
- Bunionettes (Tailor’s bunions) – Smaller bunions that form on the little toe
- Congenital bunions – Rare bunions present at birth
- Juvenile hallux valgus – Bunions that develop in people under 18 years old
Treatment
Bunion treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much the condition affects your daily life.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most bunions can be managed without surgery:
Footwear Changes
- Choose shoes with wide toe boxes and low heels
- Avoid narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes
- Make sure shoes fit properly – shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen
Protective Padding
- Use bunion pads to cushion the area and reduce friction
- Apply moleskin or gel pads to prevent rubbing
Orthotic Devices
- Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and support your foot
- Over-the-counter arch supports may also help
- Toe spacers can help realign your toes
Pain Management
- Take over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling
- Your doctor might recommend cortisone injections for severe inflammation
Exercise and Therapy
- Foot exercises can improve strength and flexibility
- Physical therapy can help with proper foot alignment
- Stretching exercises may reduce stiffness
Surgical Treatment
Surgery might be recommended when:
- Conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief
- Pain significantly affects your daily activities
- The bunion causes severe deformity or walking problems
Common surgical procedures include:
- Bunionectomy – Removal of the bony bump
- Osteotomy – Cutting and realigning bones with screws or pins
- Arthrodesis – Fusing bones permanently for severe cases
- Soft tissue correction – Adjusting muscles and ligaments around the joint
- Minimally invasive surgery – Smaller incisions with potentially faster recovery
Most bunion surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day.
Rehabilitation
Recovery after bunion surgery requires patience and following your doctor’s instructions:
Immediate Post-Surgery (0-6 weeks)
- Wear a protective boot or cast
- Use crutches to avoid putting weight on your foot
- Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed
Early Recovery (2-12 weeks)
- Physical therapy begins with simple exercises
- Stitches are removed around 2 weeks
- Gradually transition to regular shoes around 12 weeks
- Avoid high heels and narrow shoes
Full Recovery (3-6 months)
- Complete healing can take up to 6 months
- Swelling and stiffness are normal during this time
- Most people return to normal activities within 2-3 months
- Return to work depends on your job – desk jobs may allow return in 1 week, while physically demanding jobs may require 3-6 months
Complications
While bunion treatment is generally safe, complications can occur:
Surgical Complications
- Infection at the surgical site
- Blood clots (rare)
- Persistent swelling for several months
- Stiffness or limited toe movement
- Bunion recurrence if proper footwear isn’t maintained
- Over-correction (toe pointing inward too much)
- Nerve damage causing numbness
- Problems with screws or implants
Non-Surgical Complications
- Bursitis (inflammation around the joint)
- Hammertoe development
- Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of your foot)
- Arthritis in the big toe joint
Prevention
While you can’t completely prevent bunions due to genetic factors, you can reduce your risk:
Footwear Guidelines
- Choose shoes with wide toe boxes that don’t squeeze your toes
- Avoid high heels over 2 inches
- Make sure shoes fit properly – have your feet measured regularly
- Replace worn-out shoes that no longer provide proper support
Lifestyle Factors
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet
- Perform regular foot exercises to keep muscles strong and flexible
- Use custom orthotics if you have flat feet or other structural problems
Early Intervention
- Pay attention to any foot pain or changes in toe alignment
- See a healthcare provider early if you notice bunion development
- Address foot problems promptly before they worsen
Living With Sprained Ankle
Many people successfully manage bunions and maintain active lifestyles with the right approach:
Daily Management
- Prioritize comfortable, well-fitting shoes for all activities
- Use bunion pads and toe spacers as needed
- Apply ice after long periods of standing or walking
- Take breaks to rest your feet during busy days
Staying Active
- Continue regular exercise with foot-friendly modifications
- Choose low-impact activities like swimming or cycling when your feet hurt
- Use custom orthotics during sports and exercise
- Listen to your body and rest when you experience pain
Long-term Care
- Have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
- Monitor your bunions for changes in size or pain level
- Address any new foot problems promptly
- Be aware that bunions can affect your knees, hips, and back if they change how you walk
Key Takeaways
- Bunions are bony bumps that form when the big toe deviates toward other toes, causing pain and difficulty with footwear
- Genetics, poor footwear, and foot mechanics are the main contributing factors
- Most bunions can be managed with proper shoes, orthotics, pain medications, and protective padding
- Surgery is reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment
- Prevention focuses on wearing appropriate footwear and maintaining good foot health
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand how bunions can impact your daily life and mobility. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists and podiatrists provides comprehensive care for all types of foot deformities, including hallux valgus.
We offer both conservative and surgical treatment options, utilizing the latest minimally invasive techniques when surgery is necessary.
Our rehabilitation specialists work closely with patients to ensure optimal recovery and long-term foot health. From custom orthotics to advanced surgical procedures, we’re committed to helping you get back on your feet comfortably and confidently.
Meet Our Foot and Ankle Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still wear heels if I have bunions?
It’s best to avoid heels higher than 2 inches and limit wearing them to special occasions only. If you must wear heels, choose ones with wide toe boxes and use gel pads for cushioning.
Will my bunion come back after surgery?
Bunion recurrence happens in about 10-15% of cases, usually due to returning to inappropriate footwear or genetic factors. Following post-surgery shoe recommendations significantly reduces this risk.
Can children get bunions and should they have surgery?
Yes, children can develop bunions, often due to genetics. However, surgery is typically delayed until after age 13 when bones stop growing, unless the condition severely affects walking or causes significant pain.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor about my bunion?
See a doctor if your bunion causes daily pain, makes it hard to find comfortable shoes, or if you notice rapid changes in the bump’s size or your toe’s position. Early treatment prevents worsening.
