Bunionectomy
Bunion Surgery Performed by Orange County Podiatrists & Foot Specialists
Bunionectomy is the surgical procedure for removing a bunion, or the enlargement of bone and soft tissue that develops on the joint connecting the base of the big toe to the foot. Bunions (hallux valgus) are common malalignments that can be caused by hereditary factors or, most often, wearing shoes that constrict the toes, including high heels. People with bunions commonly experience inflammation, tenderness, and pain, especially when wearing shoes, which can inhibit their ability to bear weight, walk without pain, and engage in an active lifestyle.
Treatment for bunions typically begins with non-surgical management, including shoe modifications, custom insoles, or orthotics that relieve pressure from soreness and irritation, and splints that can be worn at night to provide relief from painful symptoms. However, when bunions become progressively worse, cause chronic pain with or without shoes, result in deformity of toes, and significantly limit a person’s ability to walk and remain active, surgery may be recommended.
Surgical Approaches to Treat Bunions
Because conservative and non-surgical management of bunions treat symptoms rather than the underlying malalignment, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue, restore proper positioning of the toe and other deformities of the foot, relieve pain, and restore function and activity.
Surgical treatment of bunions, referred to as a bunionectomy, can involve various procedures, but generally focus on realigning bones and modifying soft tissues to restore proper alignment. This may include removing part of the metatarsal head or the end of the first metatarsal bone that connects to the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). While performing the procedure, surgeons may also reshape or reposition the metatarsal bones and big toe to realign the metatarsophalangeal joint, realign ligaments around the joint, or perform fusion (arthrodesis) of the joint or metatarsal bones. Small screws, plates, or wires may be used to stabilize the bones as they heal.
Through advancements in surgical techniques and technology, bunion surgery has become a common procedure. However, approaches must be tailored specifically to address the variance in shapes and sizes of bunions, as well as the presence of malalignment and other conditions affecting the foot or toes. The typical recovery period for bunion surgery is between 6 weeks to 6 months, depending the severity of the deformity or surgical treatment performed. Activity restriction and casts, braces, splints, or orthotics may be used to protect the foot and toe as it heals. Physical therapy to gradually stretch, strengthen, and restore function may also be used as part of a comprehensive recovery.
Committed to Helping Patients Return to an Active & Healthy Life
The foot is a critical to enabling movement we perform in a range of daily activities, sports, and hobbies, which is why foot conditions can significantly impact one’s quality of life. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we are committed to helping patients find the relief they need and return them to an active life through personalized care provided by a podiatrist, foot specialist or our team of orthopedic certified, nurses, technicians, and physical therapists that harnesses the power of advanced technology and innovative techniques.
Find more information about treating bunions and bunion surgery when you call
(949) 705-6493, or find a foot surgeon online.
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