What Are Bunions?

Bunions are prominent bony structures at the base of the big toe. This bony prominence can become larger, swollen, red, irritated and very painful in shoes or when walking.

It can be associated with drifting of the big toe toward the second toe, and contractures of the other toes, called Hammer Toe.

What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Bunions?

• Pain at the base of the big toe
• Bony prominence becoming increasingly larger
• Redness in the area
• Localized swelling
• Difficulty wearing certain types of shoes
• Callus on the side of the big toe or bottom of the ball of the foot
• Inability to walk long distances
• Premature arthritis in the big toe joint due to inefficient biomechanics
• Difficulty participating in sports and exercise
• In diabetics, can result in ulcerations
• Re-occurring ingrown toe nails

Many people with bunions do not have pain, however cosmetically, bunions can be a source of embarrassment and decreased self-confidence, especially in Southern California, where the weather provides a great opportunity to wear sandals, go to the beach, and frolic at poolside.

Who Is Most Likely To Have Bunions?

Bunions are more common in people:

• Whose parents suffered from them
• Who walk with a flat arch (hyper-pronate)
• Who wear high heels or tight shoes

Treatment for Bunions:

Conservative treatments:

• Shoe modification - searching for and only wearing shoes which do not aggravate the condition.
• Weight loss: the amount of weight that you put on your foot is proportional to the amount of pain you feel.
• Orthotics, custom made arch supports which support the arch and help you walk biomechanically or functionally more efficient.
• Oral anti-inflammatories and steroid injections to reduce the inflammation

Surgical Intervention:

Although conservative modalities are right for some, in order to reduce pain, others may elect to surgically correct bunions to achieve normal physical anatomy, alleviate pain, and attain cosmetic results.

After a full evaluation including radiographs (x-rays), your doctor will discuss his/her results and recommendations with you:

• “Bumpectomy” – This procedure is usually reserved for the mildest of bunions, where there is minimal soft tissue influence, minimal biomechanical advantage to doing a more aggressive procedure, and simply a large bony bump to remove. Recovery time for this procedure is minimal. If this procedure is done on a patient with a highly biomechanically-induced bunion, the chances of re-occurrence are high.
• Osteotomy – The recovery time for this type of procedure is longer, however the results are more permanent because it addresses biomechanical reasons for the bunion. It also allows for certain corrections to be made on angular deformities of the bone.
• Joint Implants, Fusions and Other Procedures For Arthritic Joints – These procedures address the degeneration of the big toe joint after years of abuse from the bunion deformity or arthritis which was induced after a trauma to the joint. In Either case, the patient needs to be evaluated for age, lifestyle, activities and health in order to choose the proper procedure for that person.

What Does Surgery for Bunions Involve?

In most cases surgical correction is done on an out patient basis. There is no need for a trip to the hospital. Almost all of these cases are done under sedation and local anesthesia, reducing the inherent risks of general anesthesia. In some instances some people are required to remain non-weight bearing on the surgical foot for a short time after the surgery.

Are You A Candidate For Bunion Surgery?

If you believe you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, bunion surgery may alleviate the pain. However, you must first be evaluated by a Podiatrist to determine if surgery is right for you.

What Are The Advantages Of Bunion Surgery?

This is a largely-permanent solution to the problem: eliminate the pain, wear more different types of shoes, and be confident that that ugly bump is gone.

How Long Does It Take?

Actual surgical time is approximately one hour. Recovery time depends on the individual procedure, the patient and their strict adherence to post operative instructions.

Will I Have Pain?

There may be minor pain and swelling after the procedure. A short course of pain relievers may be given. With the new influx of medications and techniques, often people have little to no discomfort after the surgery.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

This would depend on the individual, the type of procedure performed and type of work activity.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

Albert A Nejat, DPM, FACFAS. Dr. Nejat is board certified by American Board of Podiatric Surgery and his specialties include forefoot surgeries such as the correction of bunion and hammertoe and other foot and ankle conditions such as sports injuries.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Treatment for Bunions?

In most cases, insurance will cover the correction of bunions.