BUNION
Bunion
A bunion deformity is a misaligned big toe joint that can become swollen and tender, causing the big toe to deviate towards the second toe and a bump (bunion) to form on the side of the big toe joint. Over time, the misalignment may lead to arthritis, the eroding of the cartilage in the joint.
A bunion is usually hereditary. The foot type that one is born with leads to an imbalance of muscles and ligaments around the forefoot. The imbalance will slowly cause the metatarsal bone to deviate medially (towards the midline of your body) which will then cause the big toe to deviate towards the second toe. The wearing of certain shoes (tight and narrow toe box, high heels, flimsy shoegear) may exacerbate the deformity.
Conservative treatment (shoegear modification, padding, orthose
s) for bunion pain is limited. Custom orthoses can redistribute pressure off of the big toe joint and can possibly slow the progression of the deformity in some patients. But, there is no way to reverse the deformity without literally moving the bones back into the correct position and realigning the joint.
This can only be accomplished through surgery.
The procedure is performed at a surgery center or hospital as an outpatient procedure that should last approximately one hour. There are various procedures that are performed depending on the severity of the bunion but one of the more common procedures involves a titanium compression screw for stable fixation. Plastic skin closure is often utilized for optimal aesthetic outcome. Post-operatively, the patient is seen back at our office every 1-2 weeks to ensure proper healing is taking place.
Usual healing time for bunions is 6 weeks, but the patients may start walking on their new foot the very next day. Dr. Baik believes that early range of motion to the surgery site actually improves healing time by improving circulation, reducing scar tissue, and preventing muscle atrophy.