OUR TREATMENTS
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments Walkerville
Adelaide Bunion Clinic offers five non-surgical techniques to effectively treat bunions:
Foot Mobilisation Therapy
A gentle, hands-on approach, Foot Mobilisation Therapy promotes better movement and function in the big toe and feet.
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.
We see Foot Mobilisation Therapy as an excellent way to restore movement in stiff joints, especially the big toe. Not only does it help with pain relief, but when combined with exercises, it can aid in gradually straightening the big toe. With over 10 years of experience in foot mobilisation, we find it particularly effective for bunions and arthritis, though it also supports recovery from other musculoskeletal conditions.
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?
The purpose of dry needling is pain reduction. As a widely accepted method for easing muscle tension, it uses a thin acupuncture needle (approximately 0.3mm thick) to target trigger points in the small muscles of the foot, promoting muscle relaxation.
Trigger points in the muscle belly develop after injury or from repeated stress over time. Dry needling targets these points by inserting a fine needle, which briefly contracts the muscle—a reaction commonly referred to as a “twitch.”
The “twitch” response triggers muscle relaxation, which in turn alleviates tension and minimises pain.
What Are The Benefits Of Dry Needling?
Aids in relaxing tight muscles
Supports joint mobility and pain relief
Enhances oxygen delivery and blood circulation in the foot
Enhances joint mobility and flexibility
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.
With four wavelengths, this Class 4 Laser delivers targeted therapy. Here’s the science behind each wavelength and how it enhances treatment outcomes:
- 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
Orthotics increase the arch pitch, allowing the big toe joint to open up and relieving pressure on the bunion. They also prevent excessive foot and leg pronation, which otherwise forces the big toe inward, causing further misalignment.
The orthotic helps correct two underlying factors that contribute to bunions:
1. The flattening out of the foot which jams up the big toe
2. The internal rotation of the foot and leg
Are store-bought bunion treatment options effective?
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
Made from soft materials like silicone, toe separators are designed to fit between the toes and promote better alignment. While they can ease friction and discomfort caused by bunions, they do not correct the root issue. They can, however, be incorporated into a larger treatment strategy.
Bunion Pads/Sleeves
Bunion pads and sleeves create a soft barrier over the bunion, helping to reduce irritation and pressure from footwear. While they provide short-term relief, they do not address the underlying cause of the condition.
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!
