A bunion (from the Latin 'bunion', meaning enlargement) is a protuberance of bone around the big toe joint. The enlargement can also occur at the outside of the foot, at the base of the little toe. This is called a tailor's bunion or bunionette. As a bunion deformity progresses with time, an enlargement increases in size behind the big toe, making shoe wear difficult and painful. Consequently, the big toe will shift position and move over or under the toes next to the big toe.
Bunions can occur at any age between childhood and the golden years. The occurrence of bunions are far more prominent in women than men. Ill fitting narrow shoes and shoes with heels tend to aggravate bunions and cause them to occur at a higher incidence.
The main cause of bunions is a mechanical imbalance in the feet which is usually inherited. The mechanical imbalance is known as overpronation, where the feet roll in towards the arch and big toe. This added weight and stress transfer towards the big toe, causes instability in the structures of this area and a bunion develops.
If overpronation is diagnosed early enough, the mechanics of the feet can be adjusted using a prescription orthotic. If orthotics are worn consistently, many major foot deformities can be avoided such as bunions. Early detection is of paramount importance.
When a bunion progresses and cannot be controlled by an orthotic, surgical correction may be a consideration. Many advances in bunion correction allow for surgical intervention to make healing and return to normal activities much easier than use of traditional bunion surgery.
The surgical treatment will vary depending on x-ray analysis and severity of the deformity. Most bunion surgeries focus on realigning the bony deformities of the bunion/big toe joint.
At Accent on Feet we practice Ambulatory foot surgery for bunion correction. This method allows for faster healing, lower risk and preferred cosmetic result over traditional hospital surgery. All surgical procedures are performed in the office using local anesthesia (freezing). All patients walk immediately.
Benefits
Local
anesthesia (far safer than general anesthetics)
No hospital stays
No stitches
Incisions 1/4 inch in size
No pins, screws, staples to hold bone together
No casts and crutches
10 - 20 minute procedure
Walk immediately after surgery
Return to normal activities quickly
A simple evaluation by Accent on Feet including x-rays will determine if bunions can be avoided using prescription orthotics. In advanced cases, surgery may be a consideration and will be fully discussed with the podiatrist. All of your questions will be answered and x-ray will be viewed during consultation.
Q - Will this be
done with laser?
A - Lasers cannot cut bone therefore, bunion surgery is not performed
using lasers.
Q - Will my bunion
return?
A - When the cause of the bunion (overpronation) is addressed the chances
of your bunion ever returning is extremely rare. Correction should last
you a lifetime.
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