What are bunions?
A bunion is a deformity that occurs in the joint at the base of your big toe. This joint includes the toe bone and a long bone in your foot called the metatarsal. Bunions develop gradually as excessive pressure forces the metatarsal to move out from the joint while the toe bone turns inward.
As the bones move, they create a bend in the joint that causes a bump on the side of your foot. Without treatment, the bunion progressively enlarges and becomes more painful.
What causes a bunion?
Bunions develop from a combination of your genes and lifestyle factors. Most people who have bunions were born with a structural abnormality that affects the way they walk and puts pressure on the joint.
However, your chances of developing a bunion increase if you wear tight-fitting shoes or have a condition such as flat feet, low arches, or arthritis.
What symptoms develop if I have a bunion?
In addition to the noticeable bump on the side of your foot, you may experience:
- Pain and tenderness
- Inflammation and redness
- Calluses or corns on the bump
- Limited movement in your big toe
- Burning sensation or numbness
Your symptoms get worse if you stand on your feet too long or wear poor-fitting shoes.
When would I need bunion surgery?
The first line of bunion treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, getting better-fitting shoes, and using padding or orthotic inserts. However, these treatments only relieve your pain; they don’t solve the problem.
Bunions don’t go away on their own. When your pain persists despite orthotics and better shoes, the pain gets worse, or your bunion gets too large, surgery is your only treatment option.
What should I expect during bunion surgery?
Dr. Randall performs an osteotomy to restore the joint’s structure and bring your big toe back into its normal position. Though she uses different techniques based on the severity of your deformity, an osteotomy includes realigning the bones and repairing ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Dr. Randall uses pins that naturally dissolve or screws to hold the joint in position as it heals. In severe bunions where an osteotomy isn’t enough to correct the problem, she fuses the bones together.
You can depend on exceptional treatment for painful bunions from Dr. Martina Randall. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.
