Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
The Bunion Cure at Northwest Surgery Center
A bunion is a painful condition that causes a bony bump to form on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur when the alignment of one’s foot changes, causing the big toe to curve inward due to pressure. While bunions are an extremely common occurrence, they are often quite painful and when left untreated can be a hindrance to everyday life. Pain most commonly occurs when the bunion rubs against a shoe or against other toes, as well as in the ball of the foot due to misalignment.
Bunions can cause pain and swelling around the big toe and when left untreated, may affect the alignment of other toes. Toenails may begin to grow into the sides of the nail bed. Toes may develop corns or become bent (hammertoes). Leaving a bunion untreated prolongs pain and can lead to other painful conditions and complications, so it is important to see a doctor right away if you are experiencing foot pain or believe you might have a bunion.
What is Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur when the alignment of one’s foot changes, causing the big toe to curve inward due to pressure. Bunion pain most commonly occurs when the bunion rubs against a shoe or against other toes, as well as in the ball of the foot due to misalignment. Bunions can cause pain and swelling around the big toe and when left untreated, may affect the alignment of other toes. Toenails may begin to grow into the sides of the nail bed. Toes may develop corns or become bent (hammertoes). Leaving a bunion untreated prolongs the pain and can lead to other painful conditions and complications, so it is important to see a doctor right away if you are experiencing foot pain or believe you might have a bunion.
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions are extremely common – it is estimated that 1 in 3 adults will experience bunion pain at some point in their lives. Bunions are most commonly caused by:
Improper or Ill-Fitting Footwear
Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause bunions, especially when it comes to high heels or narrow footwear that squeeze your toes. Many medical professionals advise choosing shoes with a bit of extra space to prevent toe cramping and complications like bunions that can develop from restrictive footwear. It’s also wise to steer clear of high heels and overly tight shoes for long periods to avoid bunions and other related issues.
Genetics
Although bunions themselves are not directly hereditary, the natural shape of your foot, which is determined by genetics, is a leading cause of their formation. If your foot shape puts pressure on your big toe, you’re more likely to develop a bunion. Additionally, genes responsible for other foot conditions can also contribute to bunions. For instance, hypermobility is a genetic condition that can eventually cause bunions. Similarly, having a tight Achilles tendon, which can be genetic, increases the risk. While bunions aren’t directly passed down through genes, various genetic factors can significantly raise the chances of developing them.
Joint Conditions
Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, which cause pain in bones and joints, can lead to additional issues, like bunions. Rheumatoid Arthritis often results in the body attacking the big toe joint’s lining, causing instability in ligaments and joints. Because the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and bunions are quite similar, diagnosing a bunion in these patients can be difficult without a thorough examination by a doctor. Individuals with this condition or similar have a higher likelihood of developing bunions than those without such conditions.
Constant pressure or stress on your big toe joint, whether from an activity or another condition, can also significantly increase your risk of bunions.
Bunion Removal Surgery Options
Conventional bunion surgery is described by many patients and physicians as one of the most painful procedures that one can undergo.
In addition to the pain, conventional bunion removal procedures require a postoperative recovery time of about 6-8 weeks, in which patients are severely limited in the type of physical activities they can do. Patients typically cannot walk or drive on their own and are often required to wear a cast or boot for several weeks after surgery. Additionally, patients must care for stitches that must be left in place for weeks and are unable to get wet. Patients who undergo standard procedures for bunion removal are at a higher risk for complications post-op, which can include infection and bone deformities as the bones in the foot begin to heal. Patients must also wear a special post-operative shoe for several weeks following a conventional procedure, further limiting their ability to resume their usual activities. Bunions can be a debilitatingly painful condition; medically removing a bunion through a conventional surgical procedure, however, can cause just as much pain and can be just as much of a hindrance on one’s daily life.
Patients that come to The Bunion Cure Surgery Center for the treatment of bunions tend to fall into one of the following categories:
Patients who fall into one of the above categories are often great candidates for our minimally invasive bunion surgery.
How Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Different Than Traditional Surgery?
Traditional Bunion Surgery is performed using general anesthesia, meaning patients are sedated with medication during a surgical procedure. During the surgery, a long incision is made on top or on the side of your toe. The bone is then cut, and the toe is realigned. After the realignment, the surgeon will insert screws, plates, and/or wires to keep the new alignment in place. They sew layers of skin back and wrap the foot in a bandage. Patients usually need to stay off their feet for two weeks, sometimes for several months and will need to care for stitches that cannot get wet. Patients will also need to do physical therapy for several weeks to regain strength in their muscles and must wear a special post-operative shoe during the entire recovery process. Because of the anesthesia used and the post-operative care that is needed, it is likely that patients will need to take time off from school or work to undergo a conventional bunion removal surgery. It is not possible for patients to drive themselves home after surgery, or to walk for several weeks after.
When is a Good Time to Have Minimally Invasive Bunion Removal Surgery?
The longer you wait to correct a bunion, the more problems will likely arise. It is best to correct a bunion as soon as it becomes an issue, to prevent it from hindering your ability to complete everyday activities such as walking, driving, and wearing your favorite shoes. It is also best to fix it when the bunion is in the mild to the moderate stage rather than waiting until it gets severe. As the severity increases, you risk causing arthritis, and hammertoes, and requiring additional and more aggressive procedures.