Bunion Treatment Oakville
Are you suffering from toe pain caused by a bunion in Oakville? We offer the treatment you need to restore your comfort and get your life back on track. Our non-invasive bunion treatment protocol has successfully helped hundreds of individuals in the Oakville and Burlington areas.
Dr. Steve and his Oakville Physiotherapy Team has developed a specialized protocol to help patients alleviate bunion pain. Shockwave Therapy is considered the gold standard for treating bunions, and Dr. Steve combines this with other treatments to prepare the toe before starting shockwave therapy. With over 20 years of experience, he has perfected his unique approach to managing both acute and chronic bunions.
Bunion Treatment Video
What Our Patients Are saying
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I’ve been seeing Dr. Steve for the past few months, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the care and attention I’ve received. From the very first visit, Dr. Steve took the time to thoroughly assess my concerns and explain the treatment plan in detail. I’ve struggled with neck pain... read more
Anjana Bhaskaran
December 10, 2024Phenomenal service and care. Dr Steve and his staff are always very welcoming and knowledgeable.
AdrianFootball 97
February 6, 2025Hi, my experience with Nottinghill wellness centre was absolutely great. I went for my mom who has sciatic pain and the chiro doctor Dr.Jenn did an amazing job, she has magical hands which helped my mom get better with pain just during the first sitting. Her level of pain went... read more
roshini ravunny
September 7, 2024 -
Dr. Steve and his staff have been integral in keeping me in shape to continue to train. Dr. Steve understands the peculiarities of my back and is able to treat me in a manner that I am comfortable with and gets results. He is also very helpful in providing alternative... read more
Scott Campbell
December 7, 2024I have been seeing Steve and his team for about 6 months now for several different issues I have going on and I think they are all amazing people who work there. From the front desk to the people who assist Steve with the treatments. A shout out specifically to... read more
Alanna Waugh
August 7, 2024I had a great experience with Dr. Steve and his team! Dr. Steve is very knowledgeable, and the whole team is welcoming and professional. After my visits, my elbow pain is now mostly relieved. Highly recommend their care!
Li Li
November 7, 2024 -
Very helpful team. Physiotherapist Vinaya has now helping me on 2 different inquiries and RMT Jessica helps remove the aches, pains and stress
Mark Silva
December 17, 2024I had a neck injury, and they booked me in on the same day! Steve knew right away what to do and set out a plan to get me back to normal. Steve and the team are amazing :)
Lucija Paric
February 6, 2025The staff and the doctors at this place are amazing. My husband and I both have had really good experience with 2 different doctors here. After years of suffering and going to different practitioners finally Dr. Jenn worked magic on my lower back pain and neck. I've... read more
amal farooq
October 7, 2024
What is the Anatomy of a Bunion?
A bunion is characterized by the tip of the big toe moving towards the smaller toes. A bony bump develops on the inside of the the big toe that can become painful, inflamed and “stuck”. Tight shoes and genetic attributes could be a cause of a bunion.
The pain from the bunion could be felt along the inside of the big toe, on the new bony bump, between the toes or even in other places within the toes and foot. As stated above this pain can be caused by the big toes pushing into the smaller toes or due to the biomechanics of walking becoming altered due to the position of the bunion
4 Steps To The Best Bunion Treatment:
Bunion treatment at our Oakville clinic focuses on improving range of motion and decreasing pain of the patients big toe and foot. A combination of Suction IFC, Heat, Shockwave Therapy, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue and Active Release Therapy is used to help the patient heal.
Patients are sent home with icing instructions, doctor approved footwear advice and some sort of toe separator/bracing. Our health professionals recommend wearing the toe spacer for most hours of the day when the patient is standing or walking. Most patients should not wear the toe spacer whilst running or exercising as this could dramatically change their overall gait.
1. Suction Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)
In most cases Bunion Treatment at our Oakville clinic begins with Suction Interferential Current Therapy. The suction pads are strategically placed for the patients specific type of bunion. The IFC is used to control pain and combined with heat allows for a ton of blood flow to the patients bunion and foot.
Each bunion is different and each patient will be given there own evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Moist heat will be placed on the foot during the IFC treatment to increase blood flow to the effected area. This will help aid in circulation and helps set the bunion up for shockwave therapy treatment.
2. Shockwave Therapy for Bunions
Shockwave therapy uses an air-powered device that “shoots” a bullet against an applicator head. At our Oakville clinic, our bunion specialists use a specific applicator head designed for more comfortable treatment, especially for patients with big toe pain and bunions.
Most patients receive between 1,200 and 1,500 pulses at pressures ranging from 0.3BAR to 2BAR, depending on their pain tolerance. Treatment is always customized to ensure comfort, and our skilled health practitioners have various techniques to help ease the discomfort of severely painful bunions.
During the procedure, the shockwave wand is moved around the bunion, making contact with all sides of the affected area. This helps loosen the surrounding tissue and encourages the formation of new blood vessels to promote healing.
3. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue
After shockwave therapy, Dr. Steve will use his specialized “scraper” tool to release the soft tissue surrounding the big toe. This treatment targets both the top and bottom of the foot, as well as the area around the toe and the side of the bunion.
The instrument-assisted soft tissue work is designed to break up adhesions and scar tissue, promoting optimal healing. While it can be somewhat painful, the procedure typically lasts between 60 to 90 seconds and is always performed within the patient’s pain tolerance.
We strongly recommend applying ice once you get home. The soft tissue work may cause temporary damage to the tissues, but this is necessary to stimulate the body’s natural repair and healing processes. Ice helps reduce inflammation and aids in the recovery process.
4. Active Release Therapy (ART)
To complete the patient’s treatment, hands-on techniques will be applied, specifically Active Release Therapy (ART), which is scientifically backed and evidence-based. This therapy helps to loosen up the muscles surrounding the bunion and the lower foot, promoting better mobility and relief.
Our bunion specialists will apply pressure to specific areas of the toe and foot while gently moving the toes and ankle. This technique is designed to release stuck or restricted tissue. While ART is generally less painful than instrument-assisted soft tissue work, it can still be uncomfortable. The therapy is always performed at a level that ensures the patient’s comfort and tolerability, making it an effective, though sometimes slightly annoying, part of the treatment process.
Patients will be sent home with icing instructions and bracing on a individual patient basis.
Can Our Oakville Physiotherapy Team Treat Bunions?
YES! At our clinic, we pride ourselves on the collaborative approach between Dr. Steve and our skilled physiotherapy team. If you’re nearing the end of your chiropractic coverage or prefer to explore physiotherapy treatment for your bunion, our experienced Oakville physiotherapist, Vinaya, is here to provide the care you need.
Vinaya’s physiotherapy approach is closely aligned with Dr. Steve’s methods, utilizing the same state-of-the-art techniques and evidence-based treatment protocols. This ensures that you receive a seamless transition of care, tailored to your specific needs, and backed by the latest advancements in modern therapeutic practices. Whether you’re seeking chiropractic or physiotherapy solutions, our team works together to offer the most effective treatments for bunion relief and overall foot health.
Are Orthotics good for Bunions?
In most cases Dr. Steve will recommend specific shoes to help with patients bunions. After a succession of treatments and the patients bunion pain has been resolved, our treatment team will recommend custom orthotics to help control the big toe in the future.
Our custom orthotics are designed using a modern pin system that allows for both a weight bearing and non-weight bearing scan of the foot which is imperative, especially with big toe and bunion pain.
Bunion FAQs
- Are bunions always painful?
- What is the main cause of bunions?
- What’s the best treatment for bunions?
- Can bunions go away?
- What age do bunions start?
- Who usually gets bunions?
- What shoes are the best for bunions?
- Is a chiropractor or a physiotherapist better for treating bunions?
- Can a physiotherapist treat bunions?
No, not all bunions are painful. However as the big to starts to move inward more the patient can get other problems.
Bunions can be caused from repetitive micro traumas, bad shoes, genetics, injuries or even increase walking/running.
A combination of toe spacers, proper shoes and shockwave therapy, along with some very specific custom orthotics.
No, you can prevent them from getting worse and help control the pain and the progression of the bunion from turning inward.
Bunions are most common in adults but can start as a teenager if the patient has a genetic condition or severe injury.
Bunions are more common in women but can happen in men. In most cases years of bad shoes or poor genetics are the cause.
Shoes with a large toe box are best for most patients. Do not wear high heels are tight fitting shoes with bunions.
At our clinic they are both equal. Treatment will be about the same with either Dr. Steve or Vinaya.
Yes, our Oakville physiotherapy team treat bunions every day!