Ouch my Bunion!

When Do I need my Bunion Fixed??


"I have a painful bump by the base of my big toe. It has gradually been getting worse over the past few months. Is this emergent? How can I treat this?"

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions occur when the big toe moves out of place. It may seem as if the big toe is dislocating and cause severe pain. The friction along the inside of the metatarsal causes the bone to enlarge and often become more painful. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.
Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.


How are they caused? 

 There is not one specific cause for bunions. Studies have shown the cultures without shoes have a lower predilection for bunions, implying that shoes can have a contribution to bunion formation. Adolescents can get bunions which implies a familial type of inheritance. Bunions can occur after trauma to the area, such as dropping a heavy weight on the foot.


How is it treated? 

Unfortunately bunions are bony deformities and cannot be corrected without surgery. A bunion is not an emergent condition and should be treated conservatively until the patients daily activities are affected. Conservative treatment includes; wearing wider shoes, bunion splints, felt padding, icing. Once the pain from the bunion gets to the point where conservative treatment is failing then surgery is often recommended. Not all bunions are the same and therefore not surgically treated in the same manner. Bunion surgery requires the bone to be fractured and moved into correct position. Once the bone is fractured it is often fixated with a small screw or sometimes plate. These screws can remain in place your entire life without causing issues. If the screw becomes irritating than it can be removed once the bone has completely healed(generally 6-8 weeks).



















Any questions please comment or email, zbeth02@gmail.com
If pain persists please seek medical assistance immediately.

footandanklesolution.com

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