Bunion Correction
What is a bunion correction?
Bunion corrections are minimally invasive surgeries requiring a small incision beside or on top of the metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe joint). There are numerous bunion correction procedures available to reduce pain and restore mobility. The surgeon may: remove inflamed tissue surrounding the big toe joint, shave the bony protrusion (exostectomy), implant plates, screws and/or wires to replace joint components (bone, ligaments, tendons – arthrodesis), and/or realign the joint with plates and screws (osteotomy). They will also use a burr to make percutaneous (through skin) incisions by the big toe joint and remove the affected tissue while minimizing healthy tissue damage and loss. Only after examining the big toe joint and know a patient’s age, injury history, activity levels, will they choose an individualized bunion correction approach to relieve pain, restore mobility, and preserve as much of the original tissue as possible.
Who needs a bunion correction?
Bunion patients report frequent and intense pain in the big toe joint which is aggravated by walking and narrow footwear. Surgeons may also advise patients to opt for surgery when they notice toe deformities, drifting of the big toe inwards to the smaller toes and/or being unable to flex and extend the big toe through a normal range of motion. Surgery is an option for those who did not respond positively to conservative treatments like changing footwear (wider toe box, low heel drop), padding (toe spacers, splints), shoe inserts, and anti-inflammatory medications.
More about bunion corrections...
Approximately 25% of the population may be affected by bunions, with women being 10 times more likely to have bunions! The medical community attributes bunions forming as a consequence of family history (flat feet, low arch), medical conditions (rheumatoid arthritis), professions (nurses, servers, teachers) and/or wearing narrow footwear (high heels, pointed toe shoes). Bunion progression also affects the neighbouring toes to result in further damage of the foot and toes. A surgeon may also choose open bunion surgery depending on the severity as this surgery method has reduced recurrence rates for patients with severe bunions. Typically, an osteotomy is done in conjuction with an exostectomy to align the big toe joint and restore normal function. The patient’s cooperation before, during and after the surgery as they enter the recovery process with their physiotherapy treatment is critical!
Life after bunion corrections...
More information coming soon!