Get Back On The Right Foot
Many people suffer from some form of foot pain. Experts estimate that nearly 1 in 3 Americans have bunions. This common foot condition tends to affect women more frequently than men, often with ill-fitting footwear being the main culprit. Left untreated, the condition can become progressively worse and, in severe cases, even impact mobility and quality of life. Sometimes, at-home treatment can be enough to fix the damage. Yet, for many people, minimally invasive surgery may be the best solution to eliminate pain and improve the foot’s profile.
Understanding bunions
Bunions are secondary to excessive bone growth, with pressure being the primary cause of the deformity. The growth is gradual but has a few common causes, including a person's gait, the shape of the foot, and poorly fitting shoes. Standing for extended periods or constantly wearing shoes that are too tight or pinched in areas can increase an individual's risk of developing bunions. Alternatively, having a family history or having flat feet can also be contributing factors. People with a history of foot injuries or having degenerative joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis may also be precursors to having bunions.
What are the symptoms?
A protruding joint on an individual's big toe is one of the most common signs that a person has a bunion. Other common symptoms include inflamed skin on the big toe, the big toe turning inward, thickened skin under the big toe, and sometimes, the second toe will have calluses. Foot pain is usually one of the biggest complaints with bunions. Some people's bunions may be so bad that these individuals may struggle to wear shoes and even walk. For these individuals, surgery may be the best corrective solution.
Determining surgical candidates
People with more severe cases tend to be the best candidates for bunion surgery. The procedure usually focuses on one or both of two goals: removing the deformity and realigning the toe. After undergoing X-rays to confirm the severity, surgeons will determine the best methods for the procedure. Cases can range from mild to severe, with some operations also including joint fusion for patients who have arthritis.
Considering lapiplasty
Traditional bunion surgery is performed as an open operation and has a full recovery timeline that can be anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Alternatively, lapiplasty is a newer, minimally invasive solution that corrects the deformity and restores alignment in the toe while also straightening the profile, all with a significantly shorter recovery timeline. The surgeons rely on advanced technology, which allows for less invasive methods to be used. As a result, some people can return to weight-bearing activities on the treated foot just a few days after surgery.
Walk away from foot pain
Some people may be predisposed to get bunions either because of a family history, a current medical history, or wearing too-tight shoes. In mild cases, wearing shoes that fit better or undergoing physical therapy can be effective at preventing toe damage. Yet, in more severe cases, minimally invasive lapiplasty may be the best way to correct the problem. Individuals with bunion pain that interferes with daily life should talk with a podiatrist.
