Bunion Surgery
Bunions don’t have one clear cause, which is considered a foot deformity. A bunion is made of soft tissue and bone, and is usually hereditary, stemming from a faulty mechanical structure of the foot where the big toe points towards other toes. Anyone can develop a bunion, but they appear more often in women than men and may worsen if poorly fitted shoes are worn.
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What are the symptoms of a bunion?
A bunion generally forms as a swollen, bony bump at the base of the big toe, where it unites with the first metatarsal bone of the foot.
When you have a bunion, your big toe points excessively toward your other toes on the same foot. Other symptoms can include:
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Pain and swelling
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Hard, sore, and callused skin
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Changes in the shape of your foot
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Discomfort when wearing shoes or while walking
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Numbness
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Burning sensation
Other treatment options for Bunions
Nonsurgical treatment options for bunions include:
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Painkillers
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Orthotics
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Bunion pads
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Nonsurgical Treatment
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Changes in shoegear. Wearing the right kind of shoes is very important. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box and forgo those with pointed toes or high heels, which may aggravate the condition.
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Padding.
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Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Naproxen. Topical anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac gel 1% or other topical medications may be prescribed by Dr. Tehrani.
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Icing. Applying an ice pack 2-3 times per day to help limit pain and swelling temporarily.
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Injection therapy. Injection of steroid into an inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located around a joint) sometimes seen with bunions. This will only provide temporary relief.
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Orthotic devices. In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided by the foot and ankle surgeon to help support the foot and prevent worsening of bunion deformities.
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While these treatments help relieve the symptoms, they don’t treat the condition, or improve the appearance of the foot.
