Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

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.

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.

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.

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.