Bunion

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump at the outer edge of your big toe a deformity of the joint causes. With a bunion, your big toe will bulge out at the edge of your foot then bend in toward your other toes. The bump can be tender or painful to the touch, and pressure from your big toe on your other toes can become uncomfortable.

The painful bump associated with bunions can resemble gout, so proper diagnosis at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle is essential to getting appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms. Click here for more information on Bunions.

What causes bunions?

It can also be that you are genetically predisposed to bunions by your general foot structure that you inherited. Over time, you may develop a painful bump at the inside edge of your foot that signals a bunion. Bunions develop in people – especially women – who wear tight, narrow shoes regularly. Your shoe puts pressure on the outside of your toe, gradually causing increasing discomfort in shoes.

How can I prevent bunions?

If you and your doctor suspect you are developing a bunion, there are many steps you can take to prevent deformity in your big toe. Common ways to prevent bunions include:

• Wearing wide shoes or sandals to relieve pressure on your foot
• Wearing a protective pad to reduce discomfort on your toes
• Wearing orthotics or custom-made insoles
• Wearing toe separators, if appropriate

Using ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also help relieve discomfort and swelling associated with bunions.

How are bunions treated?

If conservative methods aren’t enough to relieve your discomfort, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the deformity your bunion causes. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the severity of your bunion, including:

McBride

A McBride bunionectomy is used to relocate the tendon on the outside of your big toe and straighten the joint.

Mitchell

The Mitchell bunionectomy is a surgical restructuring of the bones below the big toe to correct moderate to severe bunions.

Distal Chevron Osteotomy/Austin Bunionectomy

The distal chevron bunionectomy is a surgical restructuring of the bones in the long bone (metatarsal) to realign it with the big toe. The surgeon may stabilize this cut in the bone with screws or staples.

Keller

The Keller bunionectomy uses precise cuts of the bones around the big toe and removable pins to stabilize the joint during healing.

Lapidus

The Lapidus procedure is a fusion of the joint below the big toe (metatarsal cuneiform joint) to prevent further deformity. This procedure is typically for someone with a large bunion deformity or a patient with a metatarsal cuneiform joint that has too much motion which can contribute to recurrence of the bunion if a distal (closer to the big toe joint) procedure is done. Your surgeon may offer the option of the newest technology in severe bunion correction-the Lapiplasty (R) .

-Lapiplasty: The traditional lapidus procedure/fixation typically involves up 6-8 weeks of non weight-bearing with the new Lapiplasty ® fixation you are able to walk 5-7 days after surgery in a walking boot. This is due to the construct of 2 low profile plates and screws that go across the joint. The lapiplasty procedure uses seamless cutting guides and jigs which can help decrease your time in the OR which in turn can lead to improved post-operative pain and swelling.

Your doctor recommends the best surgical option based on your symptoms and the severity of your bunion.

Reliable bunion treatment can help you live pain-free and enjoy your normal activities again. Call or schedule a consultation online at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle now to learn more.

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