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Bunion
What is A Bunion
A bunion (also referred to as hallux valgus or hallux abductovalgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment -producing the bunion's "bump". Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which becomes increasingly prominent. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.
Causes
Bunions are most often caused by an inherent faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes won't actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. Symptoms may therefore appear sooner.
Symptoms
- Pain or soreness
- Inflammation and redness
- A burning sensation
- Possible numbness
Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes, such as shoes with a tight toe box or high heel: This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men.
Diagnosis
Bunions are readily apparent - the prominence is visible at the base of the big toe or side of the foot. However, to fully evaluate the condition, the foot and ankle surgeon may take x-rays to determine the degree of the deformity .
Treatment
Because bunions are progressive, they don't go away, and will usually get worse over time. But not all cases are alike- some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Once your surgeon has evaluated your bunion, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs
Non-surgical
- Changes in shoe wear
- Padding
- Activity modifications
- Medications- NSAIDs
- Ice
- Steroid Injection
- Orthotic devices
Surgical
If non-surgical treatment fails to relieve bunion pain and when the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options with a foot and ankle surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.
A variety of surgical procedures is available to treat bunions. The procedures are designed to remove the "bump" of bone, correct the changes in the bone structure of the foot, and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and improve function.
In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the foot and ankle surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray finding, your age, your activity level and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Tailor's Bunion/Bunionette
What is A Tailor's Bunion/Bunionette
A tailor’s bunion (also referred to as a bunionette) is often described as a bump on the side of the fifth toe. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The fifth toe leans toward the fourth toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment -producing the tailors bunion's "bump". Tailor’s bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the fifth toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which becomes increasingly prominent. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.
Causes
Tailor’s bunions are most often caused by an inherent faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a tailor’s bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes won't actually cause tailor’s bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. Symptoms may therefore appear sooner.on't actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. Symptoms may therefore appear sooner.
Symptoms
- Pain or soreness
- Inflammation and redness
- A burning sensation
- Possible numbness
Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes, such as shoes with a tight toe box or high heel: This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men.
Diagnosis
Tailor’s bunions are readily apparent - the prominence is visible at the base of the 5th toe or side of the foot. However, to fully evaluate the condition, the foot and ankle surgeon may take x-rays to determine the degree of the deformity.
Treatment
Because bunions are progressive, they don't go away, and will usually get worse over time. But not all cases are alike- some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Once your surgeon has evaluated your bunion, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs
Non-surgical
- Changes in shoe wear
- Padding
- Activity modifications
- Medications- NSAIDs
- Ice
- Steroid Injection
- Orthotic devices
Surgical
If non-surgical treatment fails to relieve bunion pain and when the pain of a tailor’s bunion interferes with daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options with a foot and ankle surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.
A variety of surgical procedures is available to treat tailor’s bunions. The procedures are designed to remove the "bump" of bone, correct the changes in the bone structure of the foot, and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and improve function.
In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the foot and ankle surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray finding, your age, your activity level and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure or procedures performed.