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Mirkin Foot menu
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| Bunions |
General Information |
A bunion is a bony prominence on the side of the foot, at the base
of the big toe joint. This enlargement of the joint, spurring, bump
or lump can be aggravated by sports and tight shoes. There is progressive
movement of the big toe outward, toward the other toes. As the “bump”
gets bigger, shoes can increase pressure on the base of the big toe
causing more and more discomfort or pain. The term Hallux Valgus is
the medical name for this condition. |
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Causes of a Bunion? |
You are usually born with a foot type that leads to bunion formation.
Flat feet with increased flexibility are most likely to form bunions.
Abnormal mechanics increase the bunion formation over time. Other
causes of bunions include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis,
trauma, and neurovascular disease. |
Symptoms of Bunion? |
The most common complaint with bunions is pain that develops over
the large bump due to shoe pressure. A red, inflamed area can develop
called a bursa. With ongoing pressure, the inflammation can cause
throbbing as it presses against the blood vessels or swells in the
joint. Shooting pains occur when the swelling presses against the
nerve. If left untreated, the constant irritation can lead to arthritis
that breaks down the joint, resulting in pain and stiffness. |
The size of the bunion doesn't necessarily correlate with the
amount of pain. Some bunions are very small and hurt terribly. Others
are very large and may not hurt much, at all. As bunions get larger,
they can press against the adjacent toes causing them to contract.
These contracted toes (hammertoes) are then prone to friction and
pressure that causes corns or calluses. Shoes that are tight or those
with high heels usually increase pain and deformity with bunions. |
Treatment |
Early treatment may include one or more of the following:
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• Roomier or specially constructed
shoes
• Orthotics (inserts) for the shoes
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bunion pads to reduce pressure and rubbing
• resting and
elevating the foot
• taking anti-inflammatory and pain
medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen on a very limited basis
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| If these methods fail, then surgery may
be suggested. Basically, bunion surgery is performed to improve function
or prevent pain from occurring. When surgery is delayed in a symptomatic
foot, greater amounts of arthritis can develop and the more complicated
surgery can become. |
Surgery is performed to improve alignment and function to the big
toe joint. The large bump is removed and (sometimes) a cut is made
into the bone to move it to a more normal position. Screws, pins,
and wires can be used beneath the skin to improve healing and results.
Healing can range from 3-12 weeks, depending on the procedure.
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