Bunions

Most of the bunion cases that we come across in Fishers are the result of faulty mechanics of the foot. The foot type is hereditary so there are chances of deformity running in families. People with low arches or flat feet have higher chances of getting affected by the disease.

Parents with bunions should understand that there are high chances of them passing the deformity to children. Therefore, children should be evaluated if early signs of discomfort or deformity are visible. In case both parents and children have same foot type, the chances of bunion eventually developing may increase.

Symptoms

A bunion pain can be mild, moderate or severe. Moreover, the deeper tissues and skin around the affected area might also get inflamed or swollen.

Treatments

The treatment of bunion depends upon the severity of deformity and pain. It is essential to undergo a bunion surgery or consult a podiatrist at the earliest; else the problem will get larger and more painful.

Early Treatment

The first important step is padding the bunion. Make sure that the shoes you wear are large enough to accommodate the deformity comfortably. Prefer wearing leather shoes, as they can be stretched for greater comfort.

Your podiatrist may recommend medications such as cortisone injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to provide relief from inflammation and pain. Other temporary relief options are ultrasound treatment, physical therapy, and whirlpool baths.

Wearing Orthoses (shoe inserts) will also control abnormal foot movement and reduce the symptoms of a painful bunion.

Surgical Treatment

When the patient does not get any relief from conservative treatment, the next level of treatment is bunion surgery.

Patients who have undergone a surgery at our center in Fishers have experienced a significant reduction in the pain & deformity. The main purpose of surgery is to realign the joint by removing the enlargement, so that the foot can function normally and take body’s weight properly.

Types of Surgery

There are different surgical procedures to correct bunions, depending upon the general health condition, age, and activity level of patients.

General guidelines of types of bunion surgery are:

• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe
• Arthritic Bunion
• Big Toe Joint
• Post-surgery Care

After the surgery, foot is bandaged and the patient is asked to wear a postoperative shoe for three to four weeks. The amount of activity the patient is allowed to do depend on the type of surgery he has undergone.

In case of a moderate to severe bunion, where the bone is cut, it may be held in place with the help of an internal screw, pin, or absorbable rod. The podiatrist may recommend use of a slipper or short leg cast for four to six week.

After Surgery

The foot may become narrower after surgery and the joint may also remain slightly stiff for some time. The patient can return to normal activity after our podiatric surgeon in Fishers examines the healing progress.