A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe. It is an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac that grows at the base of the big toe.
Bunions are common in women and tend to run in families (heredity). The major cause of bunions is prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes like tight, narrow, and high-heeled shoes which compress the toes and exerts excessive pressure while walking. The condition gets worsen and more painful as the bump grows bigger in size. Certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout may also cause 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:
The surgical method of removal or excision of a bunion is known as bunionectomy. The goal of bunion surgery is to relieve pain and restore the normal position and function of the big toe.
Some of the surgical complications include infection, blood clot formation, recurrence of the bunion, damage to nerves, bleeding, and unrelieved pain.
Always try to take care of the bunion at the initial stage by wearing accommodative shoes. In very few cases, post-surgical complications may interrupt the healing of the bunion. If left untreated it may cause bursitis, gait abnormalities, arthritis and other serious health problems.
Avoid wearing poorly fitted shoes to prevent irritation and compression of the toes which may lead to the growth of a bunion. Skipping the bottom rung when lacing up shoes, can decrease the pressure in the toe box of existing shoes.
We’re excited to announce our new Fondren Orthopedic Group location in Memorial! Welcome Dr. Catherine Cahill, now accepting new patients at this location.