Bunions can make walking, exercising, or just wearing shoes uncomfortable. The good news is that you have several treatment options, ranging from noninvasive care to surgical solutions.
At Bone & Joint Specialists, we help people in Northwest Indiana and nearby areas find relief. Our team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons and experienced podiatrist Dr. John Rachoy. Dr. Rachoy brings more than 21 years of experience in foot and ankle care. His background includes a fellowship focused on foot deformity correction and expertise in conservative and surgical bunion treatment.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion develops when the bones near the base of your big toe shift out of alignment, causing the toe to angle inward. This results in a noticeable bump along the side of the foot. As the joint becomes more irritated, you may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, or redness.
Bunions tend to progress slowly and are often linked to inherited foot mechanics, structural imbalances like flat feet, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. Poorly fitting shoes, particularly those that are narrow or tight in the toe box, may also contribute.Â
Bunion Treatment Options
The right treatment approach depends on how much the bunion is impacting your comfort and mobility. Here are the most common options:
- Supportive Footwear: Shoes with a wide toe box can relieve pressure on the joint and prevent the bunion from worsening.
- Orthotic Inserts: Custom or over-the-counter orthotics can help redistribute weight and improve alignment.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Nonprescription options like ibuprofen may reduce pain and swelling.
- Ice and Rest: These can help calm inflammation during flare-ups and reduce discomfort.
- Physical Therapy: Our on-site physical therapy team works with you to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle. This won’t reverse the bunion, but it can help you move more easily.
- Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction: For patients who need surgical care, we offer Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy to allow for quicker recovery and smaller inicisions.
Why Choose Bone & Joint Specialists?
The team at Bone & Joint Specialists is known throughout the region for providing high-quality orthopedic and podiatric care. We’ve been voted Best of Region from 2015 to 2025, and we’re proud to serve the Northwest Indiana area and beyond.
Dr. Rachoy is a skilled surgeon and educator with over 20 years of experience. As Director of the Franciscan Alliance Podiatric Surgical Residency, he trains the next generation of foot and ankle specialists. His knowledge, combined with the comprehensive services we offer, makes our practice a trusted destination for foot and ankle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Bunion Requires Surgery?
If conservative methods no longer help with pain or if the bunion interferes with walking, surgery may be necessary. We’ll evaluate your condition and talk through all your options.
What Shoes Should I Wear To Prevent My Bunion From Getting Worse?
Footwear with a wide, deep toe box, strong arch support, and cushioning can reduce pressure on the joint and slow bunion progression. Avoid shoes that are tight, narrow, or have high heels, as they can worsen misalignment and increase discomfort over time.
Can Bunions Be Treated With Physical Therapy Alone?
Physical therapy can reduce pain, improve foot mechanics, and increase mobility, but it cannot reverse the structural changes caused by a bunion. It is often used alongside orthotics or other conservative treatments and may delay the need for surgery in some cases.
Is a Bunionectomy Painful, and How Long Is the Recovery?
As with any surgical procedure, you may have some discomfort after a Bunionectomy, but most patients find the pain manageable with proper care and medication. One of the benefits of this technique is that it stabilizes the root cause of the deformity, which often allows patients to begin walking in a surgical boot within days. Recovery timelines vary, but many return to normal activities in six to twelve weeks, with continued healing over the following months.
Will My Insurance Cover Bunion Treatment or Surgery?
In most cases, insurance will cover bunion treatment or surgery when it is considered medically necessary, especially if pain or functional limitations are documented. Our office can assist you with verifying your benefits and handling preauthorization requirements to help avoid billing surprises.
When Bunion Pain Demands Professional Care
It’s time to consult a specialist if your bunion is getting worse or starting to interfere with your life. The earlier we see you, the more likely it is that conservative treatments can help. Ignoring a bunion often leads to more joint damage and may increase your chances of needing surgery down the road.
Call Bone & Joint Specialists at 219.795.3360 to schedule your appointment in Merrillville, Hobart, or Highland, and let’s get you back on your feet.
