Bunion Treatment
in Calgary
Bunions are treated in steps — footwear, padding and custom orthotics first, surgery only when the joint keeps getting worse. Same-week assessments in Mayfair Place.
- Same week Appointment availability
- Non-surgical Options always tried first
- Custom Orthotics made for your foot
10k+ Satisfied Clients
Understanding the condition
When the big toe joint drifts out of line
A bunion — hallux valgus — is a change in the alignment of the joint at the base of the big toe. The long bone behind the toe angles outward, the toe itself leans in toward its neighbours, and the joint ends up pushing against the side of the foot as a firm, often tender bump.
Bunions build slowly. What starts as a small bump that only rubs in certain shoes can, over months and years, become a stiff, swollen joint that crowds the second toe and makes ordinary footwear uncomfortable. A smaller version can also form at the base of the little toe — a tailor’s bunion, or bunionette.
Why it happens
4 things behind most bunions
Bunions rarely have a single cause. Foot shape, the way you walk and what you wear all add pressure to the same joint over time.
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Inherited Foot Shape
Bunions run in families. A loose big-toe joint or a particular foot structure is passed down, which is why they often appear in parents and their children.
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Narrow, Pointed Footwear
Tight toe boxes and high heels squeeze the toes together and load the front of the foot, speeding up the drift of a joint that is already prone to it.
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Flat Feet & Overpronation
When the arch collapses and the foot rolls inward, extra force runs through the inside of the big toe joint with every step.
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Arthritis & Joint Injury
Inflammatory arthritis, an old sprain or fracture, or long hours on your feet can weaken the joint and change how it moves.
25+ Years
Serving Calgary patients
3 Podiatrists
“Specialized foot and ankle care
Know the signs
When a Bunion Starts to Hurt
Early on, a bunion may be little more than a bump that rubs in certain shoes. As the angle increases, the skin over the joint can become red and thickened, and the joint itself may ache after walking, running or a long day on your feet.
Later signs include stiffness when you bend the big toe, calluses under the ball of the foot, and the big toe crowding or overlapping the second toe. Numbness or burning near the joint can mean a nerve is being pressed and is worth having checked.
- Bump at the Big Toe
- Redness & Swelling
- Stiff Big Toe Joint
- Calluses & Corns
- Overlapping Toes
What to Avoid
- Narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes
- Cutting or shaving calluses yourself
- Corrector devices bought without an assessment
- Waiting until the joint is stiff and painful
How we treat it
Three steps, depending on how far it has gone
Treatment is matched to how much pain you have, how far the joint has moved and how it affects your day. Your podiatrist will examine the foot, watch how you walk and, if needed, arrange weight-bearing X-rays to measure the angle of the joint.
Most people start with non-surgical care, which can relieve pain and slow progression. Surgery is only discussed when pain persists or the deformity keeps getting worse despite that care — and nothing is done without your agreement.
Footwear & padding
Taking pressure off the joint
Advice on shoes with a wide, deep toe box, protective bunion pads and toe spacers, and treatment of any corns or calluses so the joint stops rubbing.
- Most common
Custom orthotics
Changing how load moves through the foot
Custom orthotics control overpronation and spread pressure away from the big toe joint, which can ease pain and help slow the bunion’s progression. Stretching and joint mobility exercises support this.
Bunion surgery
Realigning the joint when other care is not enough
For persistent pain or a worsening deformity. Depending on the joint, the bony bump is removed and the bone is realigned (osteotomy), or the joint is stabilized. Your podiatrist explains the options, recovery and expected results first.
FAQs
Bunion questions, answered
Common questions about bunion causes, treatment options, orthotics and insurance coverage.
Can a bunion go away on its own?
No. A bunion is a change in the alignment of the bones, so it does not reverse by itself. Footwear changes, padding and orthotics can relieve pain and slow progression, but only surgery corrects the angle of the joint.
Do I need surgery for a bunion?
Most bunions are managed without surgery. It is usually considered only when pain persists despite non-surgical care, the deformity keeps getting worse, or the bunion makes everyday walking and footwear difficult.
Do bunion correctors and splints work?
Night splints and toe spacers can ease discomfort for some people, but they do not permanently straighten the toe. Have the foot assessed first so you know what will actually help.
Will custom orthotics help my bunion?
Orthotics do not remove a bunion, but by controlling how your foot rolls and spreading pressure away from the big toe joint, they can reduce pain and help slow the bunion from getting worse.
Is bunion treatment covered by insurance?
Alberta Health Care covers only a small part of podiatry services. Many extended health benefit plans cover podiatry visits and custom orthotics, so check your plan before your appointment.
Can children get bunions?
Yes. Juvenile bunions often run in families and can appear in the early teens. Early assessment, supportive footwear and orthotics can help manage symptoms while the foot is still growing.
Patient Experiences
Trusted by Patients Across Calgary
See how personalized podiatric care at Achilles Foot Clinic has helped patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and feel more confident with every step.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Went to two podiatrist prior to this clinic, so I was coming in very informed and able to identify my specific issue. This seemed to be helpful to the doctor and he was able to discuss more well rounded options. I'm really surprised by the poor reviews here. Front desk ladies seemed to be busy and straight to the point, I see no issue with that at a busy clinic. Had to pay the $100 fee upfront but this was told to me when the clinic called to confirm appointment, I was well informed on the cost
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Gatenby & his team are simply amazing. They have been very helpful and effective in treating my foot pain because of which I have been limping. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Mann is an exceptional doctor and he has been continuously empathetic and helpful with the treatment of my ankle. 10/10 recommend him for any of your foot related injury/treatments.
However, whenever i try to call the clinic, there is lot of waiting, then they still don't pick up and take you straight to voicemail. - 5 out of 5 stars
Needed a short notice appointment for my mom, who has dementia. They were able to get us in the same day and Dr Rory was AMAZING. My mom’s toenails needed to be trimmed and she had a bit of an ingrown nail and he was able to take care of all of it. I was super grateful as I live out of province.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I had a great experience with Dr. Gurbir Mann. He saw me last minute for a fracture in my foot and I felt at ease the whole time during my appointment, he was friendly, calm and explained everything thoroughly to me. I am very grateful for how well I have been taken care of
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Mann is the best! Always answers all my questions and has plenty of solutions for me to keep moving. Always very thorough, explaining every procedure and very gentle. Just the best! Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service at the front desk.
Convenient ways to make appointments.
The Podiatrist is friendly, welcoming and treated our minor child with patience and respect.
Wheelchair accessible location with above and underground parking options.
Definitely would go back if needed. - 5 out of 5 stars
Dr Mann was awesome! Very friendly and got me in and out in no time. Making an appointment was very easy got one just a few days after calling thank you for the amazing service Achilles!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I went there because i had an ingrown toe nail and it was getting really bad and was hurting me a lot. I did not have to wait long and was able to book an appointment through call for the following day.The staff there took really good care of me and especially Dr Rory who performed the surgery for me. Throughout the surgery he reassured me that it was going to be painless and was fast which helped me to calm myself down. It indeed was quick and painless. I highly recommend going to this clinic as the staff there are really nice and things get done really quickly. I will be going back there again if I have anymore injuries/problems in the future!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I never thought I would be bringing a teen to a foot clinic but after 18 months of hell with my son's feet we were off to Achilles foot clinic this week. I was absolutely blown away by the customer service. My son was nervous and the doctor took immense care to calm him down. They took breaks. Easily put in the freezing with no pain. This was night and day to any other medical experience we have had. Highly recommend this clinic for being on time, affordable, clean, filled with loving smiling faces and ready to cater to all sorts of needs. 100% recommend. Will not go anywhere else in the future but Achilles' Foot Clinic.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I saw Dr. Gatenby today after stepping on a piece of glass. I don't know how this clinic could receive anything less than 5 stars. Everyone is so friendly and efficient. From the reception, to the nursing staff and especially Dr. Gatenby. The clinic is clean, well run and he was able to remove a piece of glass from my foot with no complications. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
My son had an appointment with Dr.Gatenby and can’t say enough good things about the clinic. They were able to get us in quickly and Dr.Gatenby was one of the nicest doctors we have seen in the city. He solved my son’s issue quickly and explained the procedure to him as he worked. Would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone with foot issues.
- 5 out of 5 stars
The entire process was easy, pleasant and efficient. Booking was easy, and I visited Dr Gatenby. His manner is professional and personal. It was obvious he enjoys his profession and serving people!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I called and was able to make an appointment very quickly to be seen by Dr. Gatenby about an infection in my cuticles. The doctor was incredibly nice and helpful, and even when he had to do a procedure on my toes and my anxiety was going crazy, he reassured me and helped me calm down and feel much better. The ladies at the office are also all incredibly nice. I couldn’t recommend this clinic enough, seriously great staff and great doctors!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to see Dr Rory about my ingrown toenails .
He is the most kind caring and gentle of doctors. I have been putting up with pain and discomfort for way too long because I was nervous about having surgery to fix the problem. Dr Rory Gatenby put my fears at ease straight away and he and his team took care of me from start to finish. If I know of anyone looking for a great foot clinic team to take care of them I will highly recommend they go to see Dr Rory Gatenby. He is the best and my surgery was nothing to be worried. I can’t say enough about my whole experience - 5 out of 5 stars
So far. So great! A+ I've been to another foot clinic in the nw, this location explained my situation fully addressed my issue and set me up with a plan moving forward. I saw Dr.Purych regarding some foot pain, heel pain and corns. Solved. Thanks a bunch!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Definitely 5 stars for this place! First off, I had called to get an appointment and the receptionist was amazing. She had empathy for my concerns and was able to get me in the next day. We met with Dr Mann, amazing again. His bedside manner was impeccable, he was very informative and understood my concerns and eased my mind very quickly. And lastly the reception staff again were great again to deal with in person with their friendly attitudes and fast responses. I definitely enjoyed my experience at this clinic and the friendly, informative service was great to see!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I will never not reccomend Archilles foot clinic. I had an incredible experience here a few years ago with Dr Mann. I waited years to deal with my ingrown toenails after watching my brother's horrible recovery at another place, but Dr. Mann was absolutely wonderful, and I regret waiting so long. My ingrowns have never come back thanks to Archilles. I send all of my friends here when they have ingrown toenails because of how much I appreciated my experience here.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I was very impressed with Dr. Mann. He takes the time to actually explain what's going on with your feet. Very personable and professional. Finally I found someone to help me about my bunion. Highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I had to shop around before I found Achilles .... because of the painful, expensive and lengthy treatment plans I was being offered by other clinics. At Achilles, I can truly report that the problem was painlessly resolved in only a few visits ... at fraction of the cost (and pain!). I received excellent treatment from Dr. Purych ... who successfully treated my long standing, stubborn plantar wart problem. I have no hesitation in providing this clinic a "five stars plus" review ... for their professionalism and focus on their patients.
Serving Calgary & Nearby Communities
Expert Foot Care Close to Home
Achilles Foot Clinic welcomes patients from Calgary and surrounding communities with personalized care for foot and ankle pain, injuries, and ongoing conditions.
Our Service Area
- Calgary
- Airdrie
- Okotoks
- Cochrane
Need an Appointment?
Tell us what’s bothering you, and our team will help you find the right care.