Bunions

Bunions are caused by the way the bones move in your feet which is an inherited characteristic from your gene pool. The bunion develops slowly as a result of normal walking over years, however certain shoes irritate the bunion. Bunions are not caused by shoes. Most bunions are painful because the shoe causes pressure on the calcium deposit along the side of the big toe joint.

Bunionectomies are designed to reduce the everyday pain caused by the bunion and are broken up into three categories. The first category is a simple bunionectomy whether the bony prominence is a live to and some soft tissue releases are performed. The second type of bunionectomy, which is for a moderate deformity, requires a cut in the bone called an osteotomy. This is by far the most common type of bunionectomy performed. The third bunionectomy is performed for a severe deformity and wires 6 to 8 weeks non weight-bearing. Most patients need to the second example, the bunionectomy with osteotomy at the head of the metatarsal which requires some non weight-bearing for 3-5 days.

In general patients cannot exercise, run or jump, for three months. It takes approximately six months to completely heal from a bunionectomy. The foot remains swollen for about six months postoperatively. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis usually under local anesthesia with IV sedation, however patients may be given a general anesthetic, and takes about 45 minutes.