OUR TREATMENTS
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments Mile End
At Adelaide Bunion Clinic, we utilise five key techniques to conservatively treat 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.
Unlocking stiff joints, particularly in the big toe, is where Foot Mobilisation Therapy shines. While it provides pain relief, when paired with exercises, it can also contribute to realigning the big toe over time. Our 10+ years of experience show that it works best for bunions and arthritis, though it is often used to support recovery from various musculoskeletal issues.
Intrinsic Foot Exercises
The purpose of Intrinsic Foot Exercises is to strengthen the foot’s natural structure and improve resilience. With consistent effort, they may assist in realigning the big toe. The foot is home to many small muscles, and we prescribe exercises to build their strength. When used alongside Foot Mobilisation Therapy, they may help straighten the big toe. They are also a fundamental part of rehabilitation after bunion surgery. Here are some basic exercises to begin with.
Dry Needling?
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an effective technique for reducing pain and relieving muscle tightness. Using a fine acupuncture needle (about 0.3mm thick), it targets specific trigger points in the small muscles of the foot to encourage relaxation and improved function.
When a dry needle is inserted into a trigger point in the muscle belly, it helps address tension caused by injury or repetitive strain. This process momentarily contracts the muscle, producing what is known as a “twitch” response.
Once the “twitch” occurs, the muscle loosens, promoting relaxation and easing discomfort.
What Are The Benefits Of Dry Needling?
Aids in relaxing tight muscles
Reduces discomfort in joints
Promotes better blood flow and oxygen distribution in the foot
Promotes improved flexibility and joint mobility
High Powered Class - 4 Cold Laser Therapy
Our treatment includes the highly advanced Class 4 K-Laser, an industry-leading European technology. It is specifically designed to relieve pain, combat inflammation, and reduce medication dependency. Additionally, the laser aids in tissue healing, speeds up recovery, and enhances joint movement, providing a soothing warmth during treatment.
This Class 4 Laser utilises four wavelengths, each playing a unique role in treatment. Here’s a breakdown of their functions and how they contribute to healing:
- 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
Orthotic use may be advised for:
- 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
Do over-the-counter bunion treatments actually work?
OTC bunion treatments can help ease symptoms temporarily and may be included in a podiatrist-guided treatment approach. However, they are not an effective solution for fully addressing bunions.
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.
While OTC bunion treatments can help manage symptoms in the short term, effective correction is a more complex issue. A qualified podiatrist can assess your condition and create a customised treatment plan, potentially incorporating some OTC methods as part of a broader strategy.
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!
