Bunions can interfere with our daily lives and be ascetically unpleasant. Our providers are trained in cutting edge Minimal Incision/Minimally invasive Bunion Surgery
What is a Bunion
A bunion is seen as an enlargement or “bump” on the inside of the foot near the big toe. Often, the big toe will turn and begin to point toward the second toe. A bunion usually forms when the first metatarsal, one of the long bones of the foot moves away from the other metatarsals. The problem is often aggravated by narrow shoes, and a callus often forms on the side and underneath the bone and on the side of the big toe.
Bunion Causes
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes such as narrow shoes, high heels, short shoes, and flat shoes.
- Genetic predisposition
- Hypermobility
- Arthritis
- Neurological and muscles conditions
Bunion Symptoms
- Pain
- Inflammation and swelling
- Limited movement on the affected toe
- Foot deformation
How To Diagnose
Bunions usually develop slowly over time. You will start to notice a bump forming at the base of the toe. Our doctors can diagnose a bunion by x-ray and examining the foot.
When to Seek Treatment for
We recommend seeing a provider at Premier Foot and Ankle Center if you have ongoing pain and the bunion becomes bothersome.
Treatment
- Supportive footwear or custom orthotics. At Premier Foot and Ankle Center we use an innovative method called a VFAS procedure to fit orthotics that can be taken home the same day.
- Applying ice to help with pain and inflammation
- Cortisone injections and oral medications may help
- Surgery may be needed if conservative treatments fail.
Recovery
Patients can walk right after surgery but it is usually necessary to wear a post-surgical shoe for 3 to 4 weeks. We recommend wearing a surgical shoe for 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery.
