Today’s state-of-the-art bunion surgery is effective and enables people to recover fast. Called Chevron Osteotomy, it promotes such rapid bone healing that patients are able to walk the same day of surgery.
A bunion is an abnormal bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. Redness, swelling or pain at or near the joint at the base of the big toe are among the symptoms. Other signs include painful motion of the big toe and corns or other irritations caused by the first and second toes overlapping. The toe becomes enlarged to the inside, with the toe turned and pointing inward. It is caused by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the joint. If you have weak or flat feet or are a woman who often wears high heels, you are more likely to develop a bunion. Bunions occur three times more often in women.
Roomy, comfortable shoes and a corrective device that pushes the big toe back into the proper position can relieve pressure on the big toe. You can also place a pad on the bunion and take aspirin or acetaminophen for pain relief. If the bunion gets worse and causes too much discomfort or if the big toe is pushing on the second toe, you will need surgery. Chevron Osteotomy removes the swollen tissue and straightens the toe by taking out part of the bone and permanently joining the bones of the affected joint.
Just removing the visible bump rarely produces a long-lasting result as it does not address internal structural problems. All foot changes must be addressed in order to effectively correct the bunion and reduce recurrence. The Chevron Osteotomy is a complete solution because it also realigns the bone to its proper function. It is performed under a local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You should be able to walk immediately after surgery without crutches. If you suffer from bunion pain, don’t continue to suffer. Have it evaluated by your podiatrist.
Dr. Robert Abrams, DPM, is medical director of the Footcare Center of Santa Clarita. For more information, please call 661-253-3668 or visit www.killerfeet.net .