Tailor’s Bunion Treatment Options

There are a number of tailor’s bunion treatment options which can be purchased cheaply online. These products are effective at curing problematic bunions and are preferable to surgery in most cases. Conservative measures for the treatment for tailor’s bunions includes toe spacers, straighteners, bunion pads, and toe splints. Most bunion sufferers are able to make a full recovery from using a combination of bunion pads, toe spacers, straighteners and braces.
These tailor’s bunion treatment products only cost a few dollars to purchase but they are usually highly effective at reducing the bump on the side of the foot and for easing pain. Conservative treatment methods cure approximately 80% of cases and bunion surgery is usually only required when chronic pain is suffered or if there is a severe deformity.

The first step in the treatment of any ailment is to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the problem is obtained. If you believe you have a tailor’s bunion it is important that you visit a doctor or podiatrist for a checkup. A bunion is an easy ailment for a doctor to diagnose, and only a brief examination is necessary. An x-ray is often required to determine the extent of the problem and to find out if the toe joint has been damaged. If new bone has been deposited it may prevent conservative treatment for tailor’s bunions from working.
The severity of the condition will dictate which tailor’s bunion treatment options should be considered. A doctor or podiatrist will advise you on the most beneficial tailor’s bunion treatment options after performing an examination and checking an x-ray.

Conservative Tailor’s Bunion Treatment Options

Footwear Choice

One of the simplest methods of tailor’s bunion treatment is simply to change footwear. If shoes exert pressure on the side of the foot this can cause a bunion to increase in size. The skin can be irritated from pressure and rubbing will cause the skin to break or calluses to form.
The best shoes to wear are those which are wide and have flexible uppers. These will keep pressure to a minimum. Supporting the foot arches will help to prevent the formation of calluses and an orthotic insole can correct abnormal weight distribution; this is a contributory factor in the formation of tailor’s bunions.

Bunion Pads

Bunion pads are a popular choice as they are effective, comfortable and low cost. They are placed on the side of the foot and are held in place by an adhesive backing or can be slipped onto the foot like a sock. They provide extra cushioning to prevent irritation and discomfort when wearing shoes. Look out for moleskin bunion pads or pads made of soft fabric as these tend to be more comfortable to wear.

Toe Straighteners and Bunion Splints

A bunion splint can be worn to help straighten the little toe and keep it in the correct position. Splints can be made from a hard rigid material to keep the toe correctly positioned. Softer splints can be more comfortable to wear and should also fit in an accommodating shoe. This type of splint also serves as a bunion pad to ease pressure on the side of the foot and prevents rubbing.
Bunion splints are good tailor’s bunion treatment options as they correct bunions during the night. They can be worn before going to bed and will hold the toe in the correct position throughout the night. Splints and straighteners can be found here.

Toe Spacers

Toe spacers can be highly beneficial as they help to stretch the tendons and ligaments to encourage the affected toe back into the correct position. There are two types of toe spacers which can be used as a tailor’s bunion treatment regimen. Gel toe spacers are inserted between the fourth and fifth toe to keep the toes separated while wearing shoes.
The second type of device –‘YogaToes’ for example – is slipped between all five toes. This type of toe spacer device is not worn for extended periods of time, just for around 15 minutes. Wearing this a couple of times a day is usually sufficient. Just slip them between your toes while you are watching television and your toes will be encouraged back into a healthy position.

Soaking the Feet

At the end of a long day on the feet a soak in hot water can offer substantial relief from pain. Adding essential oils to the water can be highly beneficial, as can Epsom salts. The latter is especially good if your skin is irritated or sore. You should also make sure your feet are kept clean and dry to reduce the chance of infection of the skin.

Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medication

One of the cheapest and easiest anti-inflammatory treatments is ice. Ice helps to reduce inflammation by causing blood capillaries to constrict and reduce blood flow. Ice also reduces fluid retention and swelling, and is also a good painkiller as it numbs the nerves. Apply ice for short periods up to 15 minutes without placing the ice directly against the skin. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen and Advil can help to ease inflammation and pain from tailor’s bunions. Injections of cortisone may be administered by a doctor to help reduce chronic pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatment for Tailor’s Bunions

If the affected toe joint has been damaged or new bone has formed around the joint it may not be possible for the toe to return to a natural position, even if a bunion splint is worn. In such cases surgery may be the only choice of treatment for tailor’s bunions.
Surgery is usually only considered as a last resort when the above conservative tailor’s bunion treatment options have proved to be ineffective. Most bunion procedures are administered on an outpatient basis under a local anesthetic. If your bunion does not respond to the above tailor’s bunion treatment methods you should speak to your doctor about having a bunionectomy.