“Bunion” is a term used to describe a painful swelling at the area overlying the big toe joint of the foot. This deformity arises when a progressive spreading of the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint causes the big toe to drift toward the second toe.
Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone spreads in the opposite direction, creating a bony enlargement on the inside of the foot.
Bunions are mostly inherited , however, tight shoes can make them worse. The pain you experience with a bunion deformity is the result of shoe pressure against the bony prominence. Some bunions are associated with arthritic conditions.
There are two ways to treat bunions: live with the problem and try to avoid excessive shoe pressure or correct the problem with surgery. Bunion surgery is grouped into three categories depending depending on the size of the bunion.
Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients will be able to wear comfortable fitting shoes within six weeks, but a return to full activity can take three months or longer.
Comments