Bunions
A bunion is a painful bony enlargement of the big toe joint where the large toe stops pointing straight ahead, and begins drifting towards the little toe. The foot becomes wider, especially when compared to the heel, causing difficulty fitting shoes comfortably. Most shoes aren't made to accommodate bunions, and soon the bony prominence becomes irritated with redness, swelling, and pain.
Bunions are a serious problem if left to progress. Besides being aesthetically unappealing, bunions left untreated usually result in secondary deformities such as painful hammertoes, calluses and arthritis.
A bunion is most often a symptom of faulty mechanics of the foot. The deformity runs in families, but it is the foot type that is hereditary, not the bunion. Parents that have bunions should realize that because of this strong hereditary predisposition it is important to have the children evaluated if early signs of deformity and/or discomfort are evident.
Treatments vary depending on the severity of pain and deformity. Early treatment may consist of a change in shoe style or wearing shoes made of a soft material to keep irritation away from the bunion. In-shoe, custom made orthotic devices can often help to halt the progression of a mild bunion. When conservative therapy does not provide satisfactory relief, or when the condition interferes with your activities, surgery may be necessary.
The purpose of bunion surgery is to not only reduce pain, but also to remove the painful prominence of bone and realign the joint to restore normal function. Guidelines for bunion surgery vary from simple to complex or severely arthritic. Procedures vary from simple removal of the bony enlargement with realignment of muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the joint to cutting of the bone and shifting it to a proper position. If it is necessary to cut bone, it may be held in place with a screw, internal pin, or absorbable rod. Many times a slipper or short leg cast is worn from 4-6 weeks, with walking assisted by crutches. The foot, after surgery, should better serve as a propulsive structure and carry the weight of the body in a more efficient manner.
Bunion surgery may be performed at a hospital, surgical center, or properly equipped office operating room. The surgeons at Northwest Podiatry Centers are on staff at various convenient locations to perform out-patient bunion surgery, as well as having in-office surgical facilities available in all of the offices.
In-office physical therapy prescribed by your surgeon will aid the surgical area to regain its flexibility.
If you have been suffering from bunions, and would like to know what can be done to correct the problem, or have any further questions, be sure to E-mail your request to
drchvala@nwpodiatry.com, and please remember to fill in your “subject line” regarding your request for information to ensure a prompt reply.