Bunion Got You Walking Funny?
Bunions are the most common foot condition. About 1 in 3 Americans has the condition. Statistics show women are far more likely to get bunions than men. A bunion is a growth or bone spur at the base of the big toe joint. Over time, the bunion causes the big toe to shift inward toward the adjacent toe. This change in the foot’s anatomy can cause unpleasant symptoms, like bunion pain, stiffness, and discomfort. People with larger, more significant bunions will notice a change in gait. Walking becomes more painful, shifting posture and changing walking mechanics. Wearing certain shoes increases the pain. Addressing bunions, sometimes with minimally invasive surgery (MIS), not only reduces pain but help patients walk better.
Don’t ignore these symptoms
Common symptoms include a bulging bump at the base of the big toe on the inner foot. This area could be painful and sore, with some swelling and redness noticed. The toe will begin to shift inward, not straight as before. Corns and calluses can form if the toe begins to rub on nearby toes. If left untreated, bunions can fundamentally change how someone walks and moves. This causes a chain reaction of limiting movement, which can lead to worse health outcomes later in life. If wearing shoes becomes painful or walking without pain is not possible, seek medical attention.
Turning to non-surgical treatment
Most cases will start with non-surgical treatment. The earlier the bunion is identified, the more effective non-surgical treatment. Pain medication and changes to shoes manage pain. Using insoles or other orthotics can help. More severe cases may benefit from corticosteroid injections providing longer periods of relief. Ice packs can help manage swelling and inflammation when used effectively. Doctors may recommend a splint or toe spacer to keep the big toe as straight as possible. When addressed early, these strategies can reduce pain and help with long-term foot support.
Is it time for surgery?
If the aforementioned strategies fail to improve symptoms, a doctor or foot specialist may suggest surgery. Going straight to surgery can also help those who visit a doctor for the first time with severe pain and a significant bone deformity. The surgeon will perform the appropriate procedure depending on the extent of the bunion. This may consist of removing the bone spur, straightening the toe by removing bone, or realigning the digit. Some patients require a bone fusion with screws and other metal components holding the bones in place. Over time, the bones grow and fuse into a single piece. Fusions can reduce joint flexibility but will reduce pain. Work with the doctor to determine the best option and recovery, which can take several weeks.
How MIS can help
Bunion procedures can be performed arthroscopically. Using minimally invasive surgery (MIS), involving small incisions and a scope, the surgeon can successfully correct the bunion. MIS has several benefits. The small incisions mean less blood loss and smaller scars compared to traditional surgery. The procedure allows patients to leave the surgical center the same day to recover at home. MIS tends to have fewer complications, such as infections, and reduces the rehabilitation timeline. The procedure is growing in popularity and makes the idea of surgery more appealing to patients.
Give bunions the boot
Bunions may be a nuisance for some, but can disrupt the gait for others. Walking no longer feels natural, but painful. Some people become self-conscious and seek out medical support. Non-surgical treatment can manage pain but may not improve the gait of more severe cases. Surgery can help by restoring the toe’s natural shape. MIS goes a step further by producing results while limiting the drawbacks of surgery. Bunion pain relief is possible with the help of an experienced foot surgeon.
