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- Bunions are often described as a large protrusion to the side of the big toe, but this is incorrectly over simplified. The visual bump we all see is an extension of the underlying problem, which actually involves a complicated ligamentous and tendonous imbalance along with some inherent bony pathology. This is why the big toe points toward the second toe rather than straight forward. Bunions are progressive, which means the longer you leave a bunion without treatment the worse it will get with time. Usually the symptoms of the bunion will appear in late stages.
- Most often a bunion can be caused by an inherited trait leading to abnormal mechanics of the foot and ankle. This leads to a structural problem in the entire foot. The foot type is the trait passed on from your ancestors, rather than the actual bunion deformity. Shoe types can cause the bunion to worsen, but will not actually cause the bunion.
- Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes. Long bouts of ambulation or standing can aggravate the bunion. This can cause pain, soreness, inflammation, redness, burning and even numbness. Treatment for bunion deformities should initially consist of shoe changes along with orthotics therapy for biomechanical control. X-rays should be taken during the initial evaluation for future review when the Bunion deformity is thought to be progressing. Also injection therapy, icing and oral anti-inflammatory can be utilized to reduce swelling or pain. If these treatments don’t resolve the pain or the continued progression of the bunion is noted then surgery is most likely necessary. Some bunion deformities can be very progressed on initial evaluation and may require surgical correction immediately to prevent further joint damage. A variety of procedures can be performed for the numerous stages and diagnostic criteria for a bunion. We will consider all these criteria including x-ray findings, age, and activity level in selecting the correct procedure for each individual patient. The radiographs will demonstrate some bunion deformities that have been repaired through surgical intervention.
