February Newsletter

Bunions

Bunions are those unsightly enlargements or bumps that occur on the inside areas of your feet. The visible bump actually demonstrates changes in framework of the front section of the foot. With a bunion, the big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This moves the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion's "bump."

A bunion deformity can cause a wide range of problems for the patient and consequently can involve a varied approach to treatment. An important point to consider in the understanding of this problem is that it is a progressive deformity. In other words, a bunion will, in most cases worsen with time. No one can predict how fast the deformity will progress or to what extent it will cause debility or symptoms, but most authorities would agree that sooner or later, it will worsen. Bunions, by nature, can cause pain in certain shoes, become a common site for arthritic changes, lead to secondary compensatory problems such as hammertoes or pain in the fat pad area, or they may cause serious aesthetic or shoe wear concerns for certain individuals. Whatever the extent of involvement, a bunion deformity should warrant consideration by the patient and some level of professional evaluation by one of our doctors.

Bunion

What Causes Bunions?

Improper footwear and heredity are the main causes of bunions.

Improper Footwear- Tight or small shoes can causes bunions, especially in women. Many more women experience bunions than men, mostly due to foot wear including high heels, tight flats, or too small shoes.
Heredity - If you have a bunion you probably have your parents to blame. One of my favorite things I have ever heard a patient tell me is that her "Mother didn't leave her any money but she passed down her bunions!" It may not be mom or dad but somebody in your family probably had a bunion before you did and passed it along to you.

Treatment

The most common and easiest ways to treat bunions are proper shoe wear. You need to allow your foot the space it needs. Some people assume they need to choose health or comfort...nowadays you can have both! Orthotics can help to slow the progression of a bunion. If we catch a bunion in its early stages we can often prevent it from becoming severe by making shoe gear changes and using a custom orthotic. Sometimes cortisone shots can help with the pain and swelling. In the worse cases where all else fails surgery can be indicated. Bunion surgery is one of the most common surgeries that we perform and most patients are back to walking in a protective boot just 2 weeks after surgery and back into regular shoes between 4-6 weeks.

Whether your problem is a bunion or something else WE CAN HELP!!! Give us a call and we will get you in to see one of the doctors TODAY!