OUR TREATMENTS
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments St Peters
Adelaide Bunion Clinic offers five non-surgical techniques to effectively treat bunions:
Foot Mobilisation Therapy
Foot Mobilisation Therapy is a gentle manual treatment designed to enhance mobility and function in the big toe and feet.
Foot mobilisation therapy for bunion treatment helps ease pain and supports joint realignment by restoring movement in the big toe. This hands-on approach stimulates connective tissue and collagen, which research has shown to be most effective over 12 weeks. With 26 bones in each foot moving independently, daily activities can lead to stiffness and restriction, especially in the big toe joint—one of the most important for balance and movement.
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
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?
Dry needling primarily aims to relieve pain. It is now recognised as the gold standard for releasing tight muscles. This technique involves inserting a fine acupuncture needle (around 0.3mm thick) into a trigger point within the small muscles of the foot.
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.”
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
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
Orthotics may be prescribed 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.
The orthotic targets two primary causes of bunions:
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?
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 work by attempting to realign the big toe and reduce discomfort. While they may provide temporary relief, they do not offer a permanent solution and are unlikely to completely correct bunions.
Toe Separators
These small, flexible inserts fit between the toes to encourage alignment and reduce irritation from bunions. While toe separators can help with friction and mild discomfort, they do not resolve the root cause and work best as part of a comprehensive 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)
Non-prescription NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can reduce bunion inflammation and pain. While useful for temporary relief, they do not prevent the condition from advancing.
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!
