Conservative Treatment of Bunions & Heel Spurs

Shoes with toe room and support defend against heel spurs and bunions.

Bunions and heel spurs are painful conditions of the feet. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment and prevention is usually first attempted for relief.

Bunions

A bunion can occur when the joint in the big toe slants into the second toe. The toes become swollen and tender. Left untreated, the anatomy of the big toe changes over time.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are also known as plantar fasciitis. They are caused by tearing of the arch ligament and tissue on the bottom of the foot. These are the most common foot injury in athletes.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment avoids radical therapeutic or surgical approaches.

Treatment of Bunions

Patients with bunions should always wear shoes with a large toe box for adequate toe room. Applying ice or bunion pads may be helpful. Custom orthotic devices and over-the-counter pain medications may provide pain relief.

Treatment of Heel Spurs

Rest is the most crucial conservative treatment for heel spurs. Elevating the foot above the heart during rest is helpful. Frequently putting ice on the bottom of the heel for 10 to 30 minutes or massaging the area with ice can be helpful. Patients with heel spurs should always wear shoes with arch supports when walking. Splinting and physical therapy may also help.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic