Bunions

Severity of bunions

What are Bunions?

A bunion (hallux valgus) is an arthritic deformity of the "big toe joint" or first metatarsophalangeal joint. This often causes a painful bump at the joint and visually, the big toe often starts to drift towards the lesser toes on the same foot.  Since this is the joint from which we propulse off of during walking, running, etc, bunions can be quite painful.  

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions can be caused by a number of factors. Most often, they are brought on by genetics and worsen as a person ages but they they are also found in younger folks as well.  Bunions can be caused by flatfoot deformity, genetics, ligamentous laxity, direct trauma and any other process that can cause osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Certain types of shoes do not inherently cause bunions but can exacerbate the pain by rubbing up against the joint.  Women who wear shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes are at a greater risk for exacerbating any joint issues and accelerating the bunion deformity since these shoes typically put excessive pressure on the first metatarsophalangeal joint

What is Bunion Surgery?

If the condition is found to be severe and debilitating enough, the doctor will most typically suggest surgery. The operation is recommended when an individual’s everyday life and tasks are impeded by the bunion. Dr. Patel will generally attempt to correct and reposition the affected joint by the cutting, removal and remodeling of bone and soft tissue. He may fixate with wires, screws or plates to hold the entire construct in place during recovery. In more severe cases with advanced osteoarthritis, the joint may need to be fused. Bunion surgery procedures usually last about an hour, but the length of time will vary depending on the severity of the bunion.  All bunion surgeries that Dr. Patel performs are performed as outpatient surgeries at a hospital which means YOU get to go home the same day!

Are There Alternatives to Surgery?

Surgery is the only way to definitively correct bunions, however there are steps that a person can take to alleviate the pain associated with a bunion including:

• Wearing supportive footwear with wide toe boxes, low heels and good arch support
• Custom orthotics
• Placing moleskin or felt patches on the pressure areas to reduce rubbing
• Over the counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories can be taken to reduce swelling as well as ice at the end of the day
• Steroid Injections
• Lubricant injections
• Amniotic injections

Call Dr. Patel for your first step towards recovery!