OUR TREATMENTS
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments Brompton
We employ five specialised conservative methods at Adelaide Bunion Clinic to address bunions:
Foot Mobilisation Therapy
Foot Mobilisation Therapy uses gentle manipulation techniques to restore mobility and improve overall foot function.
The purpose of foot mobilisation in bunion treatment is to relieve pain and restore proper joint alignment. This natural technique involves gentle manual movements that encourage healthy motion in the big toe joint by stimulating collagen and connective tissue. Research indicates this process is most effective over a 12-week period. Since each foot contains 26 independently moving bones, repetitive stress from daily activities can lead to joint stiffness—especially in the big toe, which plays a vital role in foot function.
Foot Mobilisation Therapy is one of the most effective techniques for improving movement in locked joints, especially in the big toe. Beyond pain relief, it can support gradual toe realignment when paired with exercises. With over a decade of experience, we find it particularly useful for treating bunions and arthritis, though it also serves as a complementary therapy for other musculoskeletal concerns.
Intrinsic Foot Exercises
The goal of Intrinsic Foot Exercises is to enhance foot strength and resilience. Regular practice can contribute to realigning the big toe. The foot is made up of many small muscles, and we offer specific exercises to help strengthen them. When paired with Foot Mobilisation Therapy, these exercises may assist in straightening the big toe. Additionally, they are crucial in post-bunion surgery rehabilitation. Review the foundational exercises below.
Dry Needling?
What is Dry Needling?
Recognised as the gold standard for muscle release, dry needling is used to alleviate pain. This method involves inserting a small acupuncture needle (around 0.3mm thick) into trigger points in the foot’s muscles, helping to relieve tension and discomfort.
The needle is placed directly into the trigger points within the muscle belly. These trigger points can form after an injury or gradually due to repeated stress or overload. The insertion of the dry needle causes the muscle to briefly contract, producing what is known as a “twitch” response.
Following the “twitch,” the muscle relaxes, helping to relieve tightness and reduce pain.
What Are The Benefits Of Dry Needling?
Reduces muscle stiffness and improves mobility
Supports joint mobility and pain relief
Supports healthy circulation and oxygenation in the foot
Boosts range of motion and joint flexibility
High Powered Class - 4 Cold Laser Therapy
At our clinic, we use the cutting-edge Class 4 K-Laser, one of the most powerful lasers on the market, developed in Europe. This laser is designed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and potentially minimise the need for medication. It supports tissue repair, accelerates recovery, and enhances joint mobility while delivering a comfortable warming effect.
Being a Class 4 Laser, it harnesses the power of four wavelengths. Below is an explanation of how each wavelength works and its benefits:
- 800nm => ATP
The primary process that we want to increase is the production of ATP in the mitochondria to accelerate cell healing. Therefore we use 800nm which targets Cytochrome c oxydase and enhances the use of oxygen to generate ATP.
- 905nm => Oxygenation
As we are using the oxygen in an accelerated way due to the action of 800nm we need to bring more oxygen to feed the process. Therefore we use 905nm which targets hemoglobin and forces oxygen release.
- 970nm => Vasodilation
The oxygen is being extracted due to the action of 905nm but if we want to maintain the efficiency of the process we need to bring new blood. Therefore we use 970nm as a vasodilator as it will create a temperature gradient into the tissue by targeting water specifically.
- 660nm => Skin/Wound healing
660nm is the visible red light, it does not penetrate tissue very deeply but is very efficient at healing wounds and healing skin conditions.
Custom Designed and Manufactured Orthotics
We may recommend orthotics to:
- Reduce Pain
- Retard the Progression of the Bunion
- Prevent Bunion Surgery
The orthotic works by increasing the arch pitch, helping to open up the big toe joint where the bunion is located. Additionally, it prevents the leg and foot from rolling inward, reducing the pressure on the inside of the big toe that contributes to its deviation.
Two key contributors to bunions are addressed by the orthotic:
1. The flattening out of the foot which jams up the big toe
2. The internal rotation of the foot and leg
How effective are non-prescription bunion treatment options?
There are various over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options available for bunion relief. While they may help alleviate symptoms in the short term and be part of a broader podiatric plan, they are not a standalone fix.
Bunion Correctors
Bunion correctors are orthotic devices designed to realign the big toe and relieve bunion-related discomfort. While they may provide short-term relief, they are not typically a permanent solution and are unlikely to fully correct a bunion.
Toe Separators
Toe separators are small silicone-based inserts designed to fit between the toes and improve alignment. They can help reduce friction between a bunion and the adjacent toe, offering temporary relief. However, like other OTC treatments, they do not address the underlying cause of bunions but may be useful as part of a broader treatment plan.
Bunion Pads/Sleeves
These cushioned protectors help shield the bunion from friction and pressure, offering comfort during long periods of standing or walking. While they can help ease discomfort, they are not a long-term solution for bunions.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, they only provide temporary symptom relief and do not prevent the progression of a bunion.
OTC bunion treatments can provide temporary symptom relief, but true bunion correction requires a more comprehensive approach. Consulting a qualified podiatrist ensures a proper assessment and a personalised treatment plan, which may include OTC options as supportive measures.
At our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood, we regularly treat patients from Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Myrtle Bank, Highgate, Glenunga and beyond. Book an appointment today!
