A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of your big toe. Bunions can develop due to many reasons. For example, one of the most common causes of bunions is wearing ill-fitting shoes. Women are more likely to develop bunions because they wear tight shoes as well as heels, which reduce the room your toes have. As a result, there is increased pressure on the joint of your big toe, which causes it to gradually protrude outward and form a bunion. Another common cause of bunions is genetics. If one of your parents had bunions, your risk of developing them in your lifetime is higher. Other causes of bunions are a foot deformity (congenital) or an injury.
What Happens During Bunion Surgery?
A foot surgeon will determine the surgical procedure that is right for your needs. For instance, you may need a surgery that consists of your specialist removing the bunion and then realigning the ligaments, tendons, and muscles nearby.
In a case when you have a moderate bunion, your foot surgeon might cut the bone and move ligaments and tendons. Complex bunion treatment requires a surgeon to remove part of the toe bone to align it. The surgeon will also reposition ligaments and tendons.
If you have an arthritic big toe joint or bunion, your surgeon may fuse the joint together, so it heals and you don’t feel pain when you move it. Sometimes, foot surgeons will use a metal implant for big toe reconstruction.
Reasons for Bunion Surgery
Limited mobility in your toe can make it difficult for you to walk normally. Keep in mind that a problem with your foot can contribute to pain in other parts of your body, such as your back, because of how your stance is affected. A surgical repair resets how you stand and walk, making it easy and natural for you to move without issues.
Your practitioner may also recommend surgery if you have trouble performing your daily tasks due to the pain from your bunion. People who live active lifestyles or have occupations that require them to stand or walk for extended periods of time may find their lives significantly affected by painful bunions. Such people can benefit from surgery.
How Your Doctor Determines if You Need Surgery
When determining the right course of treatment for your bunion symptoms, your doctor will have an extensive discussion about your medical history, family medical history, lifestyle habits, footwear choices, and symptoms. Your doctor will also perform an examination of your feet and may order imaging tests to see inside your foot. Based on the information collected, your doctor will determine if your bunion needs to be treated by surgery.
In most cases, surgery is recommended when you have severe pain or other symptoms that cannot be managed without significantly compromising your lifestyle or if conservative treatment options fail to bring you relief.
Bunion Diagnosis and Treatment in Cincinnati, Ohio
If you have bunions that are causing you uncomfortable symptoms, it’s time to get examined by a podiatrist. The podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot and Ankle Care have a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the foot and ankle as well as conditions and injuries that affect them. We would love to help you find relief from any issue causing you pain or limitations.
Schedule an appointment at one of our 18 locations today. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
