No Scar / Painless Bunion Surgery

RICE Method to Manage Bunion Pain

A bunion an abnormal bony protrusion or bump located at the base of the big toe.  The bump is actually at the joint between the first metatarsal and the big toe. Bunions can make the feet look ugly, that’s why people with bunions opt to use closed shoes. One major problem with this condition is that it can cause severe debilitating pain. People with bunions find it hard to walk, run or even stand without causing a bout of bunion pain. Bunions can be irritating and can change your lifestyle in worse cases.

Surgery is the gold standard to permanently remove the bunion and its associated pain. A new technique called minimally invasive bunion surgery provides very minimally pain and swelling, and the patient can go home the same day after surgery.

If you’re not ready for surgery, there are many ways to treat your bunion pain conservatively. The RICE method is an excellent conservative treatment to control pain and swelling for any condition like arthritis, sprain or strain and the like. RICE is an acronym for rest, ice, compress and elevate.

Rest. If you have an acute bout of bunion pain while you’re walking or standing it is best to sit down for a few minute to allow your feet to rest. Continuing the activity can worsen the pain and could even cause swelling of the bunion.

Ice. Cold stimuli is very effective in controlling pain and swelling. For bunion pain, it is best get a basin full of water and ice and immerse your feet for about 5 minutes, do this repeatedly until pain and swelling subside.

Compress. Wrapping your feet with an elastic bandage will immobilize and help protect the bunion. Immobilization is important to prevent irritation. Also the bandage will help push out excess fluids on the foot to treat swelling.

Elevate. Elevating the affected foot is an effective way reduce swelling. Using gravity, bodily fluids trapped within the foot can flow back into the circulatory system, reducing swelling. Make sure to elevate foot above the heart.

If all else fails, you may choose to have minimally invasive bunion surgery. This bunionectomy is cost effective and can be done in the safety of the office surgical suite. Learn more on this no scar, no pain bunion surgery technique here.