WHAT IS A BUNION?
A bunion is a foot deformity where you develop a bony bump at the base of the big toe. The big toe may start pointing towards the 2nd toe.
WHAT CAUSES A BUNION?
Improper shoewear such as tight or narrow shoes. Genetics. Biomechanical imbalance. Arthritis. History of trauma.. just to name a few!
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
A bony bump at the base of the big toe. You may also develop redness or swelling at the bump. You may also have pain in the big toe joint, worse with range of motion of the toe.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
The goal is to offload the pressure at the big toe joint. This may include, but not limited to: shoe gear modifications (wearing wider, or soft top shoes), wear a prescription-grade corrective device such as Custom foot orthotics, offloading paddings.
In addition, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), such as Ibuprofen/Motrin/Advil, Naproxen/Aleve, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
WHAT IF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS FAIL? WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
A bunion deformity is a permanent bony deformity that can only be removed surgically. We will need to obtain x-rays of your feet to determine the severity of your bunion deformity. The x-rays can help us choose a surgical procedure that is best for you.
WHAT TYPE OF PROCEDURE CAN YOU DO FOR MY BUNION?
There are many different types of bunion surgery we can do based on your medical history, physical exam, and x-ray findings. In general, the more severe your bunion is, the more extensive procedure choice and a longer recovery time is expected. At our office, our surgeons are trained to perform all kinds of bunionectomies (or bunion surgeries), including: Austin bunionectomy, Lapidus bunionectomy, Opening and Closing Base Wedge Bunionectomies, as well as Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy.
After a thorough and full clinical and radiographic examination, we will review what kind of bunionectomies are indicated for your bunion deformity, and choose the most proper and specific procedure for you.
0 Comment