Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Bunions are one of the most common conditions we treat everyday. Even though bunions are a common foot deformity, there are misconceptions about them.

Bunion
Hallux Valgus

Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment.

A bunion (also referred to as hallux valgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment—producing the bunion’s bump.
Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which becomes increasingly prominent. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.
bunion symptoms
Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. This is were genetics plays a major factor. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes will not actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Sometimes observation of the bunion is all that is needed with some changes in shoe gear and custom orthotics. NSAIDS, ice and topical medication can help with the pain but expert it to be short term.

Watch this video to learn about the reasons why it is important to fix your bunions.

Surgery

Surgery in our hands can be a divided into three procedures which are specifically chosen for the patient and not just because of the current fade or hardware.

1- Metatarsal osteotomies: These procedures are typically used for mild to moderate size bunions. The metatarsal is surgically moved to the corrected position and held by a couple screws. Sometimes the phalanx (akin) also requires an osteotomy to place the toe straighter This procedure is completed at a surgery center/ OR and is outpatient. Postop patient are required to wear a walking boot for 6 wks.

bunion surgery preop
bunion surgery postop

2- 1st Metatarsal -cuneiform arthrodesis (Lapidus): This bunion procedure is saved for moderate to severe bunions typically. It is preformed as a outpatient procedure in a surgery center/ OR. This bunion correction places the 1st metatarsal parallel and derotated to the 2nd metatarsal and held by screws or staples. Recovery is a little longer typically 8 weeks in a boot.

bunion surgery before
bunion surgery after

3- Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction ( MIS bunion )- this type of bunion correction is for mild -moderate bunions without any underlying osteoarthritis of the big toe joint. This procedure requires several small incisions to correct the bunion position. Specialized training is required to offer this type of correction; however, still requires 6-8 wks in a boot.

Working Hours
  • Monday: 9am – 5pm
  • Tuesday: 9am – 5pm
  • Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
  • Thursday: 9am – 5pm
  • Friday: 9am – 5pm
  • Monday: 9am – 12pm
  • Tuesday: 9am – 12pm
  • Wednesday: 1pm – 5pm
  • Thursday: 1pm – 5pm
  • Friday: 9am – 5pm

COVID-19 Latest Update

Foot And Ankle Experts In Michigan

For our patient’s convenience, we offer foot and ankle treatments for all kinds of conditions such as Hallux Valgus in Adrian, MI, Hallux Valgus in Ann Arbor, MI, and Hallux Valgus in Jackson, MI. We have our own digital x-ray, MRI, Cat-scan, and ultrasound equipment at many of our podiatry clinics. Our on-site podiatric physical therapy clinics allow for constant communication between the physicians and physical therapists, ensuring the most effective therapy and successful recovery for our patients.

Some of the case studies related to Buninons are listed below. If you want to learn more about them click on the button below:

  • Heater vs neuropathic foot

    Heater vs neuropathic foot

    66-year-old male diabetic, neuropathic is seen in the office regarding the ulcerations and infections of his left foot.  Patient 2 weeks ago left his foot close to a space heater and has slowly developed these 2 ulcerations. Patient has diabetic neuropathy and did not have any pain or currently does not have any pain.  Treatment…

    Read More

  • Ultra Mist Treatment

    Ultra Mist Treatment

    74-year-old female smoker with new onset of chronic ulcerations of her bunion and her 2nd toe. The patient has a history of peripheral arterial disease patient was seen and treated with ultra mist therapy twice a week for 4 weeks and also wound care daily dressing by the patient with collagen care we dispensed in the…

    Read More

  • Venous Stasis Ulceration Case Study

    Venous Stasis Ulceration Case Study

    70 y/o female with venous stasis ulceration which failed home care. Initial Visit: 1 Week After Treatment: 1 Month After Treatment: 2 Month After Treatment:

    Read More

call maps-and-flags calendar instagram linkedin-letters youtube twitter pinterest cross-mark checked menu-three-lines arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up arrow-down arrow-right2 left-arrow-circular-filled right-arrow-circular-filled play-button checked-1 music-player-play right-quotation-mark profile-user medical-call medical-availability pdf treatment appointment diagnosis follow-up foot-condition review location-pin-outline search-1 fax-top-view mark-as-favorite-star email accesibility