Bunion Deformity (Hallux Valgus)

A bunion is a foot deformity at the base of the big toe where the toe connects to the foot. This is caused by the connective MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint’s bone or tissue moving out of alignment – creating a bump or enlargement at the joint.

What causes a bunion?

Some of the potential causes include:

• Heredity
• Arthritis
• Birth deformities
• Marfan syndrome – disorder affecting your body’s connective tissue
• Shoes that are too tight or too loose
• Imbalanced pressure on the foot

Symptoms & Identification

Symptoms of a bunion can vary and aren’t limited to the bump that forms at the base of your big toe. These may include :

• Decrease in toe functionality
• Pain at the base of your big toe
• Persistent foot pain
• Redness
• Soreness in the joint
• Shoes fitting tighter than usual

Treatment for Bunions

Depending on the severity of your bunion pain and development, there are conservative and surgical treatment options. Our clinicians at Prestige Healthcare always look to conservative treatment options first.

Conservative Treatments

• New, properly fitting shoes
• anti-inflammatory medications 
• Bunion pads
• Taping
• Icing
• Foot splints
• Cortisone injections
• Custom orthotics & shoe inserts

Not all bunions can be treated conservatively, but the sooner you identify the condition the better chance you have of preventing surgery.

Bunion Surgery & Recovery

If conservative treatments don’t relieve your bunion symptoms and you’re experiencing consistent pain that affects your daily life – surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure  is referred to as a bunionectomy .

The procedure itself may consist of:

• Clearing away swollen tissue
• Reduction of bone
• Fusing the bones of your joint
• Realignment & straitening of the bones

Recovering from bunion surgery can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, and full recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months. Your recovery may consist of:

• Beginning in a boot or cast
• Transitioning to a brace after several weeks
• Using crutches to relieve pressure on the foot
• Icing to reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy to rebuild your foot strength

 Prestige Healthcare have access to a variety of orthopaedic specialists who are expert in the treatment and care of this condition and to whom we can refer you on for a further consultation if necessary.

For more information about Bunions or to have an assessment or some treatment contact us by filling out the form below, emailing or calling us.

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