Bunion Treatment – Procedure for the Feet

A bunion is a bump on the inside edges of big toe that points towards the second toe. Since the joint carries the body’s weight while walking, it may cause extreme pain if left untreated. A bunion may be caused by the way foot is shaped as it puts too much pressure on the big toe joint. Bunions tend to run in families since foot shape is inherited. The foot rolling inward is normal but may cause damage or injury by too much inward roll. Flat feet and wearing shoes that are too tight are causes of bunions. The constant pressure over a period of time may displace the big toe out of its alignment causing it to bend towards other toes. It is also believed that the condition is more common in women.

A bunion may be characterized by

•                        Red, calloused skin along the big toe’s inside edge.
•                      A bony bump at the toe.
•                      Joint pain aggravated by pressure from shoes.
•                     Big toe turning towards the other toes.

The diagnosis for bunions starts with evaluation of past health and careful examination of toe and joint. The surgeon may check the toe and joint for their range of motion. This can be done while the patient is sitting or standing so that the surgeon may see the toe and joint at rest and while bearing. The surgeon may ask questions like

•        How long have you noticed the bunion?
•       Does any activity make the bunions worse? 
•       Does any other joint hurt?

X-rays may be done to check for bone problems or rule out other causes of pain and swelling. In addition to that, blood tests or arthrocentesis may also be done to check for other problems that may cause joint pain and swelling.

The first step for bunion treatment is to take good care of feet and wear wide-toed shoes when a bunion first starts to develop. It often solves the problem preventing the need for further treatment. One may also be helped by wearing felt or foam pads on the foot that may protect the bunion. A device called spacers may also be used at night to separate the first and second toes. These devices may readily be available at drugstores. 

As bunions get worse and begin causing severe deformity or pain bunion removal surgery may be performed. During the procedure, the patient may receive anesthesia. The surgeon may then make an incision to expose toe joint and bones. The deformed joint and bones are repaired and kept in place using pins, screws, plates or cast.

After the surgery, the foot may be propped up to protect from injury during the healing period. It may take 3-5 weeks for the foot to recover fully. Patients immediately feel less pain after bunion removal and be able to walk more easily.

    

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Bunion Surgery -- Take Your Feet Back

It's an embarrassing problem that many people are ashamed to admit they have, which often prevents them from seeking treatment. People with bunions certainly don't like to talk about them, sometimes even to their doctors. That's why so many people are at the point where they need bunion surgery by the time they finally consult their doctor about this painful condition. But if you catch a bunion early enough, you can use a bunion treatment that doesn't require you to go under the knife. Many people would prefer not to have surgery if they can avoid it, but it's crucial for them to tell their doctor about the problem early on.

A bunion is basically a misalignment of the joint where your big toe meets the rest of your foot. The joint begins to jut out, which can make wearing shoes very uncomfortable, and can also cause blisters where the joint rubs against the shoe. It can also cause other foot pain because the foot isn't able to function properly. Bunion surgery is one way to correct this problem, and it's usually the only way to correct the condition once it reaches a certain level of severity. But you can find a bunion treatment that doesn't require surgery if you catch it early enough.

Alternatives to bunion surgery are really only helpful if you catch the bunion early enough. You can start wearing orthotics in your shoe to prevent the condition from worsening, and also to make wearing shoes more comfortable. There are also orthotics that help the big toe not to wander in towards the other toes. This type of bunion treatment is easy to implement, and can delay, if not prevent, the need for surgery. There are certain cases in which it's only delaying the inevitable, but a lot of people still prefer orthotics to surgery.

Bunion surgery can be expensive, and recovery can take a long time. This is why many people would prefer a bunion treatment that delays surgery for as long as possible, or at least until a more convenient time. Bunions are painful, and they can make your life miserable, especially if you work a job that requires you to be on your feet for most of the day. But by addressing the problem as soon as you notice it, you can prevent the need for surgery, and get relief from this condition quickly.

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Bunion Surgery– Options For The Removal Of Painful Bunions

When the joint at the big toe enlarges and repositions, the bump on the side and the curvature inward of the big toe is referred to as a bunion.  Bunions can be very painful, not cause any symptoms at all, or affect the patient moderately.  Bunion treatment approaches are widely varied, depending on severity, symptoms experienced, and the preferences of the podiatrist treating the patient.  Bunion surgery is necessary for some patients, especially those who are experiencing significant pain.  The surgical solution to bunion problems is usually only utilized if more conservative treatment options have failed. 

Discussing the reasonable expectations for improvement after a bunion surgery with their physician can help patients understand the recovery process better.  For instance, the general goals for these surgeries are to reduce pain and restore function to the big toe joint.  Post-surgery, the patient may need to wear a cast or special shoes for six to eight weeks before starting to return to normal footwear.  These types of instructions are dependent on the type of surgery done and a patient's individual foot.  Before surgery is attempted, other forms of bunion treatment will likely have been tried.   

During bunion surgery, the surgeon enters through a small incision in either the side or top of the big toe to realign the joint, sometimes removing soft tissue or bone or even putting in tiny screws and wires to help in joint alignment.  There are over one hundred possible surgical procedures that are done to treat bunion problems.  The recovery period for surgery to correct bunions will depend on the extent of the surgical procedures, usually from six weeks to six months (but can last up to a year for complete healing).  The actual surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure where a local anesthetic is used, possibly in combination with a sedative. 

Most of these bunion removal options are not designed to 'cure' the bunion but to help alleviate pain or keep it from getting worse and requiring bunion surgery.  They can include ice packs and elevating the foot.  Sufferers from bunions often take anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as ibuprofen.  Wearing the right shoes can also keep pain at bay.  Flat or low heel shoes with a wide toe area are best.  Good arch support is also helpful to keep pressure off the big toe joint.  There are special orthotics and devices made specifically to relieve pressure on the big toe while walking.  Some patients find that bunion pads, moleskin, or felt inside the shoes can keep the bunion from rubbing on the inside of the shoe and causing pain.

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