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.

    

More information about bunion treatment is available at: http://www.bunionsurgerylosangeles.com/bunion-treatment.htm