Bunions (cont.)
Other Treatment
A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint
). Treatment options for bunions include arch supports, custom-made orthotics, and custom-made shoes. All of these temporarily change the way the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the foot work together. They will not cure the bunion, but they may help relieve some structural problems that are contributing to it by:
- Reducing pressure on the big toe joint.
- Preventing too much rolling inward of the foot (excessive pronation) during walking or running. Excessive foot pronation has been linked to bunion formation.
- Helping keep the toe joint in a more normal alignment and controlling the shortening of ligaments and other tissues that may be pulling the joint out of alignment.
Arch supports are available without a prescription. Orthotics and custom-made shoes are available with a prescription and are professionally fitted to your foot.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) |
| 6300 North River Road |
| Rosemont, IL 60018-4262 |
| Phone: | 1-800-346-AAOS (1-800-346-2267)
(847) 823-7186 |
| Fax: | (847) 823-8125 |
| Email: | orthoinfo@aaos.org |
| Web Address: | www.orthoinfo.aaos.org |
|
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) provides information and education to raise the public's awareness of musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on preventive measures. The AAOS website contains information on orthopedic conditions and treatments, injury prevention, and wellness and exercise. |
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| American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) |
| 8725 West Higgins Road |
| Suite 555 |
| Chicago, IL 60631-2724 |
| Phone: | 1-800-421-2237
(773) 693-9300 |
| Fax: | (773) 693-9304 |
| Email: | info@acfas.org |
| Web Address: | www.foothealthfacts.org |
|
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons provides information on surgery and shoe selection as well as the care and treatment of heel, toe, ankle, nerve, tendon, nail, and skin conditions; sports injuries; diabetic foot problems; arthritis; and resources in your local area. Some information is available in Spanish. |
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| American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society |
| 6300 North River Road |
| Suite 510 |
| Rosemont, IL 60018 |
| Phone: | 1-800-235-4855
(847) 698-4654 |
| Fax: | |
| Email: | |
| Web Address: | www.aofas.org |
|
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) provides information on a variety of topics, including foot care for adults, children, and people who have diabetes; proper shoe fit; and how to select children's shoes and sports shoes. Some information is available in several languages besides English. |
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| American Podiatric Medical Association |
| 9312 Old Georgetown Road |
| Bethesda, MD 20814-1621 |
| Phone: | 1-800-FOOTCARE (1-800-366-8227)
(301) 581-9200 |
| Fax: | (301) 530-2752 |
| Email: | info@apma.org |
| Web Address: | www.apma.org |
|
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) provides information about foot and ankle injuries, sports-related foot concerns, surgical and nonsurgical treatment of foot problems, special medical issues such as diabetes, and resources in your local area. Some information is available in Spanish. |
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