Bunion OA and Voltaren

I'm in my early forties and I have a bunion and pretty sure I have OA of the toe. Right now I use Voltaren gel to manage bouts of pain. But I'm currently in a stretch where edging hurts. Anyone find long term success in this route otherwise does it have to go the surgical route?

What else are you trying besides the topical? I use gel toe spacers and its a night and day difference with acute bunion pain. 

Edited for spelling

World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/02/12/171832741/worlds-most-popular-painkiller-raises-heart-attack-risk

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsionwrote:

World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/02/12/171832741/worlds-most-popular-painkiller-raises-heart-attack-risk

This is for the oral form of the medication. The topical gel form carries very little risk. I'm a wellness nurse specializing in OA management (inspired by personal experience) and there is a lot in that 10-year old article that makes me cringe. While I primarily advocate for lifestyle modifications first, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people are scared off of a medication that can really help them by over sensationalized news stories.

To the OP...Look into getting custom orthotics for everyday wear and approaches. From a pedorthist is best. Also, don't size down. I also use a toe spacer on my worse foot and always wear roomy shoes. There are also night splints you can try but I have never managed to keep on on through the night. 

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsionwrote:

World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/02/12/171832741/worlds-most-popular-painkiller-raises-heart-attack-risk

Log on to Google Scholar, UpToDate, or look at the online version of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. They are more useful than an NPR interview with the/one of the authors of a paper.