Do you have an unsightly or painful “bump” on the inside of your big toe joint? You may be dealing with a bunion. A bunion is a progressive deformity of the big toe joint. A common misconception is that bunions are growth of bone, but they are a result of the foot bones shifting and changing position over time.
Who gets bunions?
Women are 2 times as likely as men to develop bunions. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults develop bunions. Most bunions develop from a genetic predisposition, but there are other factors believed to contribute to developing a bunion. For example, wearing narrow pointed toe shoes, high heeled shoes, and certain foot structures.
What can be done about bunions?
Bunions are not always symptomatic. Most people can accommodate the deformity with wider shoes or shoes with a mesh top cover that stretches around the bunion. When certain shoes cause increased pressure and irritation to the bunion deformity then silicone gel pads and sleeves can help cushion and alleviate pressure. If conservative care is not effective, then surgery is a definitive treatment option.
What does surgery to fix a bunion look like?
Every bunion is unique, and we select the procedure based on an individual’s needs and goals. At Ankle and Foot Centers of Tennessee we are trained to utilize the most state-of-the-art procedures to correct bunions. These are the most common procedures we utilize:
Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy
This procedure utilizes a key-hole incision to cut and realign the bones. It’s a quick, simple and effective technique. Most bunions are candidates for this technique. Benefits include less scarring, less pain, excellent cosmetic results, and less chance of arthritis down the road. The recovery is faster, and most people can bear weight immediately.
Lapidus Bunionectomy
This procedure is utilized for patients that have moderate to severe deformities with lots of hypermobility. This is a powerful procedure with long-lasting results. Healing time is a bit more involved, but patients can expect to be in regular shoes within 2 months.
Great Toe Joint Fusion
This procedure is the gold standard for correcting severe bunions with advanced arthritis in the joint. This involves removing the joint, realigning the bones into proper alignment and fusing them in the appropriate position. This is a permanent fix for a bunion deformity with arthritis.
Historically, we would advise holding off on addressing a bunion until it is unbearable. Now, the procedures have drastically improved leading to more reliable outcomes and substantially less pain. Early treatment can avoid other complications later such as hammer toe deformities and arthritis. Consult your physician to see if surgery is right for you.