Bunions begin as a small bump formed at the joint at the base of the big toe. Initially, they can, though should not be ignored and the only aggravation is disfigurement. But, as the bump enlarges, as it will, it pushes the bones in the front part of the foot out of place and pulls the big toe toward the smaller toes. As the big toe pushes toward the smaller toes, a lump of bone is created on the outside of the foot, which can become very painful. Swelling and soreness occurs, and corns and calluses can develop from the toes rubbing against each other. Without intervention, the big toe will eventually cross over the small toe next to it and be unable to move back to its original position.
Depending upon the degree of progression and pain, our expert podiatrists offer different treatment options to stop the growth and relieve the suffering. Keep in mind, though, the only way to rid the foot of a bunion is through surgery.
Our orthopedic surgeons utilize decades of combined expertise, the latest technology and minimally invasive procedures to create the best outcome for our patients.
Our Non-Surgical Treatments to Slow or Stop a Bunion’s Growth
- Bunion pads or moleskin placed over the bunion to prevent irritation from rubbing against the shoe.
- Advice on the proper shoes to wear. Though not proven as the cause of bunions, wearing high heals or shoes that are tight or narrow aggravate the condition. Shoes that are wide at the toes prevent the toes from rubbing, especially when the big toe is way out of alignment.
- Medications, either topical or oral, can be prescribed.
- Icing to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Surgery
Surgery is necessary when pain becomes too much to handle, when it becomes difficult to wear shoes and/or avoidance of the pain causes problems for other parts of the body.
Our minimally invasive surgery remodels the bone, levels the bunion, lengthens and repositions tendons that have pulled the big toe to the side and returns the toe to its natural placement.In more severe bunion deformities, the surgeon may choose to perform several different bunion procedures to realign the metatarsal. In some cases, pins, stainless steel screws, staples, wires or artificial joint implants are used so that realignment of the joint is maintained while the bone is healing.This may also include an alignment and the insertion of small plates to correct the deformity. Based on your specific needs, our podiatric surgeons will provide you with a local anesthetic before surgery.
Recovery is only a few hours, and you should be able to walk within a day and return to normal activities in less than a week.
With our safe and effective bunion removal surgery you’ll see:
- The dissipation of swelling in your toes/foot
- A normal-looking shape to your foot
- The dissipation of pain while walking or wearing shoes
- The ability to bend your toes without constriction
- A lessening of leg or lower back pain, as your body realigns
- Confidence while walking barefoot or wearing sandals