Bunions are a bony protrusion at the inside of the foot, at the base of the big toe. The underlying cause of the majority of bunions is a genetic looseness of the first metatarsal (the bone leading to the great toe). This laxity results in a shift of the first metatarsal towards the inside of the foot, and a shift of the great toe towards the second toe. Bunions usually progress slowly over time, and will often become painful and difficult to fit in shoes. Because the bunion deformity involves a misalignment of the big toe joint, it can often lead to arthritic changes in the joint. Early treatment of bunions is aimed at slowing its progression; this includes use of custom orthotics (insoles), bracing, padding, and shoe modifications. Custom orthotics work to slow the progression of bunions by helping to stabilize the inherent laxity in the first metatarsal mentioned above. Bunion pads and shoe modifications can be used to help alleviate pain and symptoms, but are not corrective in nature.
If surgery becomes necessary in the treatment of bunions, it is usually performed on an outpatient basis at a surgical center or local hospital. General anesthesia is not usually needed, but rather, a combination of sedation (by an anesthesiologist) and local anesthesia is used to provide comfort and safety throughout the procedure. In most cases, weight can be placed on the foot immediately after surgery in a comfortable and secure boot. Crutches are usually not necessary. In cases of a severe bunion deformity, more complex surgical correction may be necessary. This may require a period of time on crutches, and a slightly longer recovery period. The quick-fix, “minimal-bunionectomy,” procedures are right for certain people, but often don’t provide the best long-term results.
The surgeons at University Foot and Ankle Institute are well versed in the latest surgical procedures, combining traditional and tested principles with the latest techniques, equipment, and fixation devices designed to allow a more rapid recovery and produce predictable long-term results.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 661-260-1180.