BUNION
If you suffer from deformity or foot pain due to a bunion, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is a Bunion?
Physicians define a Bunion as a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe and protrudes to the side. It occurs due to the bones in the toe moving out of place. This causes the tip of the big toe to pull toward the smaller toes and pushes the joint at the base of the big toe to stick outwards. The skin over the bunion might inflame and appear red and sore.
Wearing narrow or uncomfortable shoes may contribute to bunions or cause them to worsen. Bunions may also develop as a result of a foot deformity or medical condition, such as arthritis.
Smaller bunions can also develop on the joint of your little toe.
Bunion Symptoms
A bulge on the outside of the joint of your big toe often signals a developing bunion, which can be both noticeable and uncomfortable. This condition typically accompanies swelling, soreness, or redness around the big toe joint, indicating underlying inflammation. As the bunion progresses, the misalignment of the toe joints can cause the first and second toes to rub against each other, leading to the formation of corns or calluses. These hardened skin areas develop due to the persistent friction and pressure, further exacerbating discomfort.
Individuals with bunions often experience ongoing pain that can make walking, standing, or wearing certain types of shoes difficult. The constant discomfort can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Additionally, the range of motion in the big toe may become limited, hindering natural foot movement. This restriction not only contributes to pain but also affects balance and mobility, emphasizing the importance of addressing the condition promptly.d
What Causes Bunions?
Specialists theorize about how bunions develop, but the exact cause remains unclear. Likely factors include genetics, stress or injuries to the foot, and birth defects. Experts disagree on whether tight shoes cause bunions or merely contribute to their development. While some believe that ill-fitting footwear can exacerbate the condition, others argue that it is not the primary cause.
Bunions often appear alongside certain types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory forms like rheumatoid arthritis. This association suggests that chronic joint inflammation can contribute to bunion formation. Understanding these contributing factors can help in developing better prevention and treatment strategies for those prone to this condition. By addressing underlying causes such as arthritis and ensuring proper foot care, individuals may reduce their risk of developing bunions and improve overall foot health.
Bunion Prevention
To help prevent bunions, patients should choose their shoes carefully. Look for shoes with a wide toe box rather than pointy toes and ensure there is enough space at the end of the shoe to easily move the toes. Properly fitting shoes should match the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.
It’s important to avoid high heels and narrow shoes that can force your toes into an unnatural position, increasing the risk of bunions. Instead, opt for shoes with supportive soles and good arch support to maintain proper foot alignment. Regularly measuring your feet can also help you find the right size, as foot shape and size can change over time. By prioritizing comfort and fit, you can reduce the likelihood of developing bunions and maintain better foot health overall.
Bunionectomy Surgery
Foot and ankle specialists can perform bunion surgery using several different approaches, depending on the patient and the bunion’s severity. In most cases, the surgeon focuses on soft tissue repair combined with an osteotomy.
During soft tissue repair, the surgeon properly aligns the toe by shortening the ligaments and tendons on one side of the toe while lengthening them on the other. This adjustment helps position the toe in a straight and natural alignment.
In an osteotomy, meaning “bone-cut,” the surgeon makes tiny cuts into the toe bone to help straighten the toe. After aligning the joint, the specialist stabilizes the position by inserting small screws or braces to hold the joint in place. This combination of soft tissue repair and osteotomy ensures the bunion is effectively corrected, leading to improved toe alignment and reduced pain for the patient.