Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Right For You?

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a painful, bony bump that forms at the joint between your big toe and your foot. Most people’s big toes naturally lean inward slightly towards the other toes. Over time, if the angle of your big toe becomes more pronounced, the point at which your metatarsal meets the toe becomes inflamed and enlarged. Bunions usually take years to form. While they may not hurt too much to begin with, eventually they can become so painful that even walking is difficult.

Symptoms of a bunion

Look out for the following signs and symptoms of a bunion:

• A bony bump on the side of your foot next to your big toe
• Your big toe pointing at a severe angle towards the other toes
• Hardened skin or callouses over the bump
• Redness or irritation
• Warm, shiny skin on the bump
• Swelling and inflammation
• Pain when walking or moving the toes

Causes of bunions

• Heredity. Some people are more predisposed to bunions than others, with your foot and bone structure being a major contributor to the problem. Often, bunions run in the family.
• High heels. They are also more common in women than men, due to women’s shoe styles tending to be tighter, and high heels, ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี causing the bones of the feet to move into unnatural positions.
• Ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too pointed are more likely to cause the development of bunions.
• Age. Bunions are also more common with age, as over time your feet spread, and your joints become weaker and more susceptible to damage.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. The swelling of the joints due to rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bunions.

Bunion treatment

If your bunion is not severe, your doctor may advise that surgery is not necessary. Surgery always comes with risks and if your bunion isn’t too serious, it may not be worth it. Alternative treatment and prevention methods include:

• Medication for pain and inflammation
• Foot baths or ice packs
• Changing your shoes for wider, more supportive options
• Orthotic inserts

Bunion surgery

Sometimes a bunion is so severe that it is too painful to cope with, or the joints no longer move or function. If there is no better option, your doctor might recommend surgical intervention to remove the bunion. There are many different methods to treat painful bunions.

Types of bunion surgery include

• Full bunionectomy, where the part of the foot that is bulging is removed
• Fusing the toe joint
• Implanting an artificial joint
• Realigning ligaments around the joint
• Reshaping the big toe and metatarsal bones
• Osteotomy, making small cuts in the bones and adjusting their position