A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, typically caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or with very high heels. It can be painful and cause redness and swelling around the joint area. Bunions can also lead to a misalignment of the bones in the foot, which can create a bony lump on the side of the foot. This can lead to further discomfort when walking or running.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of bunions, including improper footwear such as shoes with tight or pointed toes. Heredity also plays a role in some cases; if your family has a history of bunions you may be predisposed to developing them yourself. Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also increase the likelihood of developing bunions. Poor biomechanics of the feet and lower limbs can also lead to their formation due to excessive pressure on certain areas of the foot such as the big toe joint. Wearing high heels, poorly fitting shoes, or ill-fitting orthotics can all exacerbate this condition by creating an imbalance in your body’s center of gravity and thus increasing pressure on the front part of the foot. Finally, there is evidence suggesting that aging weakens our tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones which makes us more prone to developing bunions.
Your orthopedic surgeon diagnoses a bunion based on the following:
A bunion may be treated either by non-surgical or surgical methods. The non-surgical treatment options include:
Bunion surgery is a viable treatment option for those suffering from bunions, a condition characterized by the enlargement of the bone on the big toe joint. This often leads to misalignment of the bones and joints in the foot, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. There are a variety of surgical options available to address bunions, including bunionectomy (also known as exostectomy or osteotomy), which involves removing part or all of the bunion. Depending on the severity of the bunion and the patient’s needs, some surgeons may also choose to reshape or realign bones with screws and plates, as well as use soft tissue procedures such as tendon release or repair.
While these measures are usually successful in relieving pain and restoring the normal functioning of the foot, there are certain risks associated with any surgery – infection, blood clot formation, recurrence of the bunion, damage to nerves, and bleeding – that must be taken into consideration before proceeding with this treatment option.
Dr. Bodeker offers the Lapiplasty® procedure, which is a state-of-the-art, advanced procedure in where the bunion is corrected using 3-dimensional technique. Watch the video below to learn more about it.
Bunion surgery is a viable treatment option for those suffering from bunions, a condition characterized by the enlargement of the bone on the big toe joint. This often leads to misalignment of the bones and joints in the foot, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. There are a variety of surgical options available to address bunions, including bunionectomy (also known as exostectomy or osteotomy), which involves removing part or all of the bunion. Depending on the severity of the bunion and the patient’s needs, some surgeons may also choose to reshape or realign bones with screws and plates, as well as use soft tissue procedures such as tendon release or repair. While these measures are usually successful in relieving pain and restoring the normal functioning of the foot, there are certain risks associated with any surgery – infection, blood clot formation, recurrence of the bunion, damage to nerves, and bleeding – that must be taken into consideration before proceeding with this treatment option.
To prevent bunions, it is important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample room for your toes to move around. Shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. Additionally, wearing high heels or other shoes with pointed or narrow toes can increase the risk of developing bunions due to extra pressure on the toe joint and limited mobility of the toes. It is also important to make sure that your feet remain clean and dry, as sweaty feet can increase friction between your skin and your socks which can contribute to irritation of the toe joint over time. By following these simple steps, you will keep your feet healthy and protected from painful bunions.
Fall Creek Foot & Ankle is a podiatry practice conveniently located just off of Interstate 69 and Hwy 8 in Humble, TX. Our practice provides patient-focused foot and ankle care.
(281) 973-5237
9701 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E
Suite #150
Humble, TX 77396
17516 US-59
Suite #110
New Caney, TX 77357