A bunion–from the Latin “bunio,” means enlargement.
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. This forces the toe to bend toward the little toes. Since this joint carries a lot of the body’s weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The big toe joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible.
Bunions affect people of all ages. Many different reasons for a bunion include genetics, ligamentous laxity, shoe gear, flat feet, your foot mechanics (the way you walk), one leg longer than the other and many more.
There are both surgical and conservative treatments for bunions. Conservative treatments include a change in shoes, padding of the painful area, cortisone injections and custom orthotics. Your doctor will be able to tell you which of these may be helpful to you.
The success rate for surgery is nearing 100%, with a very, very small chance of reoccurrence. An xray is important for your doctor to determine what bunion surgery is correct for you. The main measurement is the angle between in long bones in your foot.
Depending on the bunion you have you may be able to walk the same day of surgery in a boot or surgical shoe. Sometimes a period of not walking on the foot after surgery is needed. Your doctor will be able to tell you exactly what surgery is right for you!