Bunion Treatment without Surgery Sydney

Manly Vale & Northern Beaches

If you currently experience bunion pain or discomfort and have looked into bunion treatment methods you may have been told that surgery is the only option available.

In reality, bunion surgery should be the absolute last resort. Recent research has shown that surgical outcomes can be poor, with over 30% of bunion surgeries considered unsuccessful by the patients. That’s because most surgical interventions don’t address the reasons the bunion is occurring in the first place.

In addition, when bunion surgery is performed on an adolescent whose yet to reach skeletal maturity, there is a strong chance the bunion will return.

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Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment

There are in fact, a number of treatment options for bunions that provide an alternative to bunion surgery.

Research that shows just how effective conservative management is through foot mobilisation therapy.

2009 JEDYNAK T, Treating Hallux Abducto Valgus (Bunions) Conservatively Through Foot Mobilisation Techniques and Exercise Therapy Podiatry Now Oct p12-‐15.

Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot mobilisation is a hands-on approach that is all about imrpving the function of the big toe, foot and ankle. This helps strengthen the big toe, the joint, and the muscles in and around that area of the foot.

In our many years of experience treating feet, foot mobilisation has shown to be the most effective way to treat a bunion while also fixing the underlying issues that are causing it.

The therapy involves taking the joints of the feet through their full range of motion, which helps to improve their function. Foot mobilisation in conjuction with strengthening exercises helps to improve foot function and strengthens the entire foot.

The benefits of Foot Mobilisation in the treatment of bunions:

Gentle hands on technique that is less painful and invasive than bunion surgery
Treats the underlying cause to improve the alignment of the foot
Helps to avoid the need for surgery
Very little to no risk compared to surgery
Patients can remain active during treatment, with no changes required to daily activity
No footwear restrictions
Strengthens muscles in foot which help to overall function of the foot

Home Treatment & Exercises

Once a foot mobilisation exercise routine is established, we teach you some additional podiatry exercises you can do at home.

The exercises target some of the larger muscles of the foot which, when strengthened, help to support the affected toe and surrounding tissues. This allows the area to heal and realign naturally, with long term results.

In both foot mobilisation therapy and home treatment plans, exercises might include:

toe separation
heel raises
toe rotations

3 great bunion exercises

Home exercises are conveniently designed so that they can be completed in five minutes, and often while doing other activities (like showering, sitting, or watching TV). However, exercises aren’t the only way we educate and empower our patients to reverse the effects toe joint misalignment. In addition to the home exercises, there are also a number of ways to ensure that the condition doesn’t worsen after the official treatment concludes, or return years later.

Foot Mobilisation Therapy vs Orthotics

Orthotics are another option often prescribed for the treatment of bunions, however these also have a number of limitations. Orthotics hold the foot in place which means realignment occurs only while wearing them. Without strengthening the feet themselves as foot mobilisation does the alignment issues are not resolved long term.

Foot Mobilisation has several benefits over orthotics as a treatment for bunions

Foot Mobilisation you don’t have to wear orthotics
Foot Mobilisation changes the alignment of your foot without being reliant on an external device
Foot Mobilisation strengthens the muscles that insert into the big toe
Studies show that the benefits of an orthotics on a bunion is minimal
Foot Mobilisation does not limit footwear like an orthotic device that needs lace up shoes in most case

Orthopedic Surgery

In some very advanced cases (particularly in you have a large bony lump), surgery needs to be considered as a bunion treatment option. However, we generally find that surgery is avoidable and we won’t recommend a surgical approach until we are 100% sure that the issue cannot be resolved with foot mobilisation and physical therapy.

Case study: fixing bunions naturally, without surgery

Sydney Bunion Clinic offer gentle, hands on treatment for bunions without the need for surgery or orthotics. We provide treatment and care for communities throughout Sydney including Sydney CBD, Fairlight, Queenscliff, Brookvale, North Balgowlah, Chatswood, Drummoyne, Summer Hill, Beaconsfield and Manly from our clinic located in Manly Vale.

FAQs

What are the benefits of non-surgical treatment for bunions?

Non-surgical bunion treatment consists of a hands on approach to treat the underlying cause of your bunion by strengthening the muscles in your foot. During treatment you can maintain your normal activity and there is no restriction on footwear.

How is Foot Mobilisation Therapy used to treat bunions?

Foot mobilisation is a hands-on approach that is all about improving joint function and then strengthening the muscles the big toe joint, and the muscles in and around that area of the foot.

How do home exercise help treat a bunion?

At home exercises target some of the larger muscles of the foot which, when strengthened, help to support the affected toe and surrounding tissues.

When is bunion surgery necessary?

Surgery should be the absolute last resort. Recent research has shown that surgical outcomes can be poor, with over 30 % of bunion surgeries considered unsuccessful by the patients. That’s because most surgical interventions don’t address some of the reasons why the bunion is occurring in the first place. When bunion surgery is performed on an adolescent whose yet to reach skeletal maturity, there is a strong chance the bunion will return.

New Patient Bunion Assessment

Only $35* Usually $100

*Claimable on your private health insurance

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Manly Vale Clinic