OUR TREATMENTS
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments Fullarton
Adelaide Bunion Clinic offers five non-surgical techniques to effectively treat bunions:
Foot Mobilisation Therapy
Foot Mobilisation Therapy uses gentle manipulation techniques to restore mobility and improve overall foot function.
Foot mobilisation plays a key role in bunion treatment by reducing pain and helping to realign the joints. This gentle, hands-on therapy restores natural movement in the big toe joint by stimulating connective tissue and collagen, which research suggests responds best over a 12-week cycle. With 26 bones in each foot working independently, everyday activities like walking, running, and standing can cause joints to stiffen over time. The big toe joint, being one of the most crucial joints in the foot, is particularly affected.
Foot Mobilisation Therapy is highly effective at ‘unlocking’ stiff joints, particularly the big toe. While it can relieve pain, it can also help gradually realign the big toe when combined with targeted exercises. With over a decade of experience using this technique, we’ve found it most beneficial for treating bunions and arthritis. Though useful for various foot and leg conditions, it is often used alongside other treatments for musculoskeletal injuries.
Intrinsic Foot Exercises
Intrinsic Foot Exercises are designed to improve foot stability and resilience. When done diligently, they can play a role in big toe realignment. Since the foot contains numerous small muscles, we provide exercises to strengthen them. These exercises, in combination with Foot Mobilisation Therapy, may encourage the big toe to straighten. They are also essential in recovering from bunion surgery. Below are some of the core exercises we recommend.
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.
A dry needle is inserted into the muscle belly’s trigger points, which may have formed due to injury or ongoing muscle strain. This technique stimulates the muscle to contract momentarily, creating a response known as a “twitch.”
After the “twitch” response, the muscle releases tension, leading to relaxation and a reduction in pain.
What Are The Benefits Of Dry Needling?
Reduces muscle stiffness and improves mobility
Reduces discomfort in joints
Promotes better blood flow and oxygen distribution in the foot
Enhances joint mobility and flexibility
High Powered Class - 4 Cold Laser Therapy
We utilise one of the most advanced and powerful lasers available—the Class 4 K-Laser, developed in Europe. Designed to reduce pain, it effectively targets inflammation and may significantly decrease reliance on medication. This laser promotes tissue healing, enhances recovery, and improves joint range of motion, all while providing a soothing warm sensation.
As a Class 4 Laser, it operates using four distinct wavelengths. Here’s the science behind each wavelength and its specific function:
- 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
By elevating the arch pitch, the orthotic helps create space in the big toe joint, addressing bunion-related issues. It also stabilises the foot and leg, preventing excessive inward rolling, which reduces strain on the big toe and minimises 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
Designed to minimise friction and pressure, bunion pads or sleeves provide a cushioned layer over the bunion. They can offer temporary relief, particularly when wearing shoes for extended periods.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Taking over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help manage bunion-related pain and swelling. However, they only offer short-term relief and will not slow or reverse bunion progression.
Temporary relief from bunion symptoms can be achieved with OTC treatments, but true correction is best handled by a podiatrist. A professional assessment ensures a targeted treatment plan, which may use OTC methods alongside other interventions.
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!
