It’s easy to understand why potential alternatives to surgery are popular. After all, if you could fix a problem without undergoing a surgical procedure, why wouldn’t you try? Unfortunately, when it comes to bunions, over-the-counter products rarely deliver results. That’s because items like bunion cushions, pads, splints, and correctors don’t treat the root cause of bunions, and therefore, they don’t offer a long-term solution to bunion pain. 

How do Bunion Cushions Work? 

Bunion cushions generally come in two sizes. The first design is similar to a sock where the cushion slips over most of your foot and covers the side of the big toe where the bunion is located. The second design is usually a small gel cushion that sticks directly to the bunion. 

Bunion cushions exist primarily to relieve pain. As they provide a barrier between the bunion and a person’s shoe, they prevent the bunion from rubbing up against the side of the shoe directly. Or, at least, that’s the idea. In practice, some consumers find that bunion pads don’t always stick to their bunion or cover the entirety of the painful area. Further, most find that bunion cushions don’t offer much pain relief at all.

Treating Bunions

Bunions will generally get worse over time. So while a bunion might not seem like such a big inconvenience right now, it could continue to grow and become more inflamed as time goes on. (Some people even experience hammertoes, leg, or back pain as a result of untreated bunions.)

By changing your shoes, wearing bunion cushions, and/or using bunion splints or correctors, you may get some temporary relief, but if you don’t address the root problem, the pain will never truly go away. 

As a side note, bunion splints may actually offer some post-operative benefits to patients after surgery. In this scenario, bunion splints can help break apart scar tissue and keep the foot aligned while tendons and ligaments heal.

Traditional Bunion Surgery vs Minimally Invasive Surgery 

If you want to get rid of bunion pain, your best option is surgery. Fortunately, bunion-removal procedures have come a long way over the years and you have better options. With traditional bunion surgery, most patients have an issue with the extensive recovery time. In many instances, patients had to have stitches and wear a boot, waiting between six weeks and eight months to get back to their active lifestyle.

With our minimally invasive bunion surgery, patients can resolve their foot-pain issues without going through an ordeal. Minimally invasive surgery drastically cuts down on the pain and recovery time associated with traditional bunion surgery. In fact, those who opt for minimally invasive surgery are able to walk out of the operating room and return to daily life without interruption. 

If you’ve been struggling with bunions, but have been hesitant to pursue surgery, now is the time to reconsider. 

Contact Us

At Northwest Surgery Center, we’re pioneers of minimally invasive bunion surgery. Our expert team has years of experience, and we have the skills, knowledge, and tools to ensure you’re able to get back on your feet –– without pain –– in no time. You can check out our gallery of before-and-after pictures here, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.