Reviewed by: Dr. Steve Knighton, B.Sc., D.C. (Chiropractor)
Ontario Chiropractic License Number: 5580 | Last reviewed: August 7, 2026

Bunion Treatment Oakville

Are you suffering from toe pain caused by a bunion? Our chiropractic clinic serving Oakville patients offer the treatment you need to restore your comfort and get your life back on track. Our non-invasive bunion treatment in Oakville protocol has successfully helped hundreds of individuals in the Milton and Burlington areas.

What Causes Bunions?

  • Genetics (inherited toe structure)

  • Flat feet or low arches

  • Poor toe and arch biomechanics

  • Tight or narrow footwear

  • High heels

  • Arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Previous toe injuries

  • Long periods of standing

  • Abnormal walking patterns (gait issues)

  • Ligament laxity or joint instability

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.

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Bunion Treatment in Oakville: What You Need to Know

What Our Patients Are saying

  • 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 Avatar Scott Campbell
    December 7, 2024

    Dr. Jenn is amazing! She truly cares about her patients and is willing to try different things in order to see progress. I’ve been struggling with hip pain for years due to my scoliosis, no physio or chiro has ever been able to make a difference other than her, she... read more

    Alexia Davies Avatar Alexia Davies
    June 7, 2024

    Dr Steve and team have transformed my neck and upper back. They worked their magic to help release tension and my sleep is much better. Bonus - they love dogs so mine come to appts for social visits!

    Vidya B Avatar Vidya B
    September 7, 2024

  • Steve and his team are absolutely amazing. Very efficient. Absolutely knowledgeable and corrected my issue Very quickly. Steve and team are so friendly and such positive high energy in the office. Love seeing everyone 💕

    Linda Paul Avatar Linda Paul
    December 7, 2024

    Dr. Jenn thank you for all the years looking after our family, you are nothing short of a miracle worker. Always refer friends to your practice, sorry we are moving, you will be missed. Audrey, thank you for always accommodating us on short notice and following up, lifesaver. ... read more

    Shona Mindzak Avatar Shona Mindzak
    December 7, 2024

    The docter and his team have been awesome. I had strong pain severe and I went to alot of other docters who chraged money heavily but did not offer single solution however this place and the team they understood first day and helped me in a great way . Initially... read more

    Preet Sangha Avatar Preet Sangha
    February 6, 2025

  • 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 Avatar Anjana Bhaskaran
    December 10, 2024

    Dr.Steve and his team are very professional, focused. I came with severe pain in my knee, and he quickly got to the point, and in three sessions, I have recovered considerably- from not being able to walk and pain to a level of 10/10 in some positions, to being able... read more

    Prashant Bhatt Avatar Prashant Bhatt
    November 7, 2024

    The 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 Avatar amal farooq
    October 7, 2024

What Causes a Bunion? Bunion Pain Relief!

 

anatomy of a bunion, showing the big toe move inward and causing pain

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

If your bunion pain is related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.

Foot pain conditions such as bunions can sometimes be aggravated by trauma during a motor vehicle accident. Our car accident injury clinic Oakville evaluates and treats foot injuries following collisions.

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4 Steps to Effective Bunion Treatment in Oakville

Bunion treatment at our Oakville clinic focuses on improving range of motion and decreasing pain of the patients big toe. 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.

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shockwave being applied to a patients bunion

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.

Each bunion is different and each patient will be given there own evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Moist heat will be placed on the toes 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.

IFC treatment being performed on foot to release foot pain

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. Bunion Shockwave Therapy 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 tis sue and encourages the formation of new blood vessels to promote healing.

bunion treatment with a shockwave therapy unit

3. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue and Bunion Pain

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 toes, 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.

A scraper tool being used to release the soft tissue around the big toe

4. Active Release Therapy (ART) For Bunions

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 toes, promoting better mobility and relief.

Our bunion specialists will apply pressure to specific areas of the big toe 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.

Physiotherapy being performed for foot pain on patient

How to prevent Bunions

Bunions develop gradually when pressure and poor gait mechanics push the big toe joint out of alignment. While genetics play a role, many cases are influenced by footwear, arch support, and walking patterns. The good news is that early prevention can significantly reduce your risk.

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Wear Proper Shoes
Choose shoes with a wide toe box that allow your toes to move freely. Avoid narrow, pointed shoes and limit high heels, which shift excess pressure onto the front of the toes and stress the big toe joint.

Support Your Arches
Flat feet and overpronation increase strain on the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Supportive shoes or custom orthotics can help control mechanics, improve alignment, and reduce abnormal joint stress.

Strengthen Your Feet
Weak toe muscles contribute to joint instability. Simple exercises like toe spreads, short foot exercises, and towel scrunches can improve strength and support proper toe alignment over time.

Address Walking Mechanics Early
Abnormal gait patterns increase repetitive stress on the big toe. A professional assessment can identify faulty mechanics before structural changes occur.

Act at the First Signs
Redness, swelling, or a small bump at the base of the big toe are early warning signs. Early intervention is far easier than correcting an advanced deformity.

Preventing bunions is about reducing long-term stress on the joint. Small changes today can protect your feet for years to come.

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.

 

A graphic showing bunion symptoms

 

 

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.

Are you experiencing bunion pain or discomfort when walking or standing? Our Oakville clinic provides treatment for bunions and foot pain with a focus on reducing inflammation, improving foot mechanics, and helping patients stay active without ongoing discomfort.

Patients regularly visit our Oakville clinic from Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga when searching for effective bunion treatment near them. If your bunion pain is getting worse or limiting your daily activities, contact our clinic at 905-827-4197 to book an assessment and start treatment today.

 

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A doctor taking measurements for Custom Orthotics

Oakville Bunion Treatment FAQs