Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of your big toe. Because the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, the tip of your big toe gets pulled toward the smaller toes. This misalignment forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out, and the skin over the bunion might become red and sore. Here is more information about bunions and the surgical options for correcting them:
Understanding Bunion Causes
The cause of bunions is a combination of several factors. Family history and the inherited shape of your foot can make it more likely you will develop bunions, but other factors include footwear choices and certain types of repetitive motions. Other health conditions that cause inflammation, like lupus, can also increase your risk of developing bunions.
Narrow footwear often exacerbates the problem. High heels force the toes into the front of the shoe, and tight toe boxes crowd them together. Because these shoes squeeze the toes, they might worsen the condition.
Exploring Surgical Procedures
Nonsurgical treatments cannot reverse a bunion. Doctors recommend surgery when pain interferes with daily activities. There are many different surgical procedures, and no single surgery is best for every problem.
Osteotomy is a common procedure, and it may require the patient to use crutches afterward. The surgeon cuts your big toe bone and realigns it to a normal position. Because the bone needs to stay in place, they might use screws or plates.
Another option involves soft tissue repair. The surgeon shortens loose tissues, and they lengthen tight tissues to balance the joint. If the joint is severely damaged, arthrodesis removes the damaged surfaces.
Navigating Bunion Recovery
Recovery from bunion surgery takes time. You will need to keep weight off your foot for a while, so you might need crutches or a walker. Because the bone takes time to heal, you must follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
Swelling is common after foot surgery. Although the pain subsides within a few weeks, the swelling might persist for six months. You should wear wide shoes, and you must avoid high heels during this period.
Identifying Surgical Candidates
Other treatments for bunions may not always be effective. Surgery is not always necessary, though. Talk to a doctor if your foot pain limits your everyday activities. Conservative treatments might fail, and the pain could persist.
Watch for specific symptoms of bunions to get treatment early on. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, you might be a candidate for surgery. Your doctor will look for the following signs, and they will evaluate the severity of your deformity:
- Drastic foot pain limits your everyday activities.
- You cannot bend or straighten your big toe.
- Chronic big toe inflammation and swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medications.
Find Treatment for Bunions Today
Bunions cause significant pain and discomfort. While changing shoes helps some patients, others require surgical intervention to correct the bone alignment. Surgery can alleviate the pain, and it can restore the function of your foot. If you want to learn more about how bunions are treated, consult a foot specialist near you.
