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Bunions and Bunion Treatment |
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About bunions
- A bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe that causes a bump on the joint
- The big toe may turn toward the second toe (which is called displacement), and the tissues surrounding the joint may be swollen and tender or painful
- Bunions are much more common in women than in men with close to 90 percent of deformities occurring in women
- Bunions that aren't treated tend to get worse, causing pain that ranges from mild to severe.
- Bunions can also cause difficulty walking and affect your other toes as they progress. Often, surgical treatment is needed to correct bunions
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 | For this reason, early-stage bunions should be diagnosed and treated by an orthopedic specialist. At UCSD Medical Center, our orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in bunion surgery, including bunionectomy and realignment of the affected toes.
Causes
In general, bunions are caused by foot mechanics that result in too much pressure on the big toe joint. Over time, the constant pressure forces the big toe out of alignment, gradually bending it toward the other toes. Common causes of bunions include:
- An inherited foot type (such as flat foot)
- Abnormal foot motion such as excessive pronation (rolling in of the foot)
- Tight or poorly-fitting shoes
- Previous foot injury
- Arthritis
Symptoms
- The area around the big toe joint may be red, swollen and/or painful
- A bump may form on the inside of the base of the big toe
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The big toe may be stiff, painful and difficult to bend
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The big toe may turn toward the second toe (displacement)
Treatment options
Depending on the severity of your bunion, your physician may recommend non-surgical treatments such as wearing more accommodating shoes, icing the affected area, or using over-the-counter medications for pain relief.
However, if nonsurgical treatment doesn't relieve your pain; if you're unable to perform normal daily activities; or you develop a severe bone deformity, surgery may be necessary.
Bunion surgery is done to help restore normal alignment to the toe joint and relieve pain. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine the appropriate procedure for you depending on the severity of the bunion and whether it is causing deformity and/or pain.
Types of surgery
- Bunionectomy: In this procedure the medial eminence of the metatarsal head (the part of the foot that is bulging out and causing the bump) is removed
- Osteotomy: In addition to removal of the bump (bunionectomy), additional surgery may also include metarsal and/or phalangeal osteotomy (bone cuts) to realign the toe and metatarsal joint
- Arthrodesis: In cases of severe deformity, an arthrodesis (fusion) of the big toe may be necessary
After bunion surgery, you will wear a special post-operative shoe for eight weeks, until the bones have formed a solid union. After this, you'll begin physical therapy to ensure proper recovery.
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