Bunions

What is Bunion (Hallux Abductovalgus)?

A bunion is a “bump” on the joint at the base of big toe known as first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MPJ) – that occurs when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. It is a progressive structural deformity gradually changing the angle or the bones over the years and slowly producing prominent characteristic bump at the big toe joint (1st MPJ)

Conservative Treatments

• Putting padding over the painful area
• Wear shoes with the extra wide width
• Orthoses(OTC or Custom-made): it may help relieve pain associated with a bunion or may prevent it from becoming worse rapidly

These treatments will not help bunion correction but aim to provide pain relief.

Surgical Treatments

Do I need bunion surgery?

Whether you have bunion surgery or not is purely your choice. However, a bunion is often progressive and it will not improve on its own, and if your bunion prevents normal daily activities/shoes no longer fit properly or excessive pain with a bunion, you may consider it.

What does the surgery involve?

There are more than 100 procedures for a bunion, but it typically involves;

• Removal of bony prominence / Releasing tight ligaments, capsule and tightening loose ligaments
• Cutting and realigning the first metatarsal with fixation

An additional procedure may be required to address big toe deviation

• Anaesthetics: Various anaesthetics are available (General or spinal block or local anaesthetics with sedation)
• The operation usually takes 45 – 90 minutes.

After the Bunion Surgery

• Keep your foot elevated as much as possible  and apply an ice pack for the first week following surgery
• Your dressing will be changed between 3-7 days at the office after surgery
• Keep your dressing dry for the first 2 weeks after surgery
• Sutures will be removed between 2-3 weeks after surgery
• You are able to weight-bear on the heel or outside your foot in the postop surgical shoes
• You need expect to wear postop surgical shoes for 4-6 weeks