What is Bunion Surgery/Hallux Valgus Repair?
Bunion Surgery, also commonly known as hallux valgus repair, is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct a bunion. A bunion is a bony bump which forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. The goal of this procedure is to realign the bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves in the foot, which further relieves pain and improves the overall appearance of the foot.
What causes a bunion?
A variety of factors can influence the development of a bunion, including:
- Wearing shoes that are too small for your feet
- The natural shape of your foot
- A foot deformity
- A medical condition, such as arthritis
How do I know if I have a bunion?
There are many signs that the bump on your toe may be a bunion, including:
- A bulging bump on the outer base of your big toe
- Swelling, soreness, or redness around your big toe joint
- Corns or calluses, which often develop due to friction between the first and second toes
- Chronic pain, or pain that fluctuates throughout time surrounding the base of your big toe
- Restricted movement of your big toe
- Trouble finding shoes that fit due to the size of your bunion
When to contact your doctor regarding a bunion.
In many instances, bunions require no intervention or medical treatment, however, it is recommended that you contact your doctor, podiatrist, or orthopedic foot specialist for any of the above symptoms.
Diagnosing a Bunion:
To better assess whether or not the bump on your foot is a bunion, your doctor will ask you about your medical history in addition to performing a physical examination of your foot. In some cases, additional imaging may be needed, such as an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI scan to rule out any other potential causes of a bump on the foot.
Surgical techniques used to correct bunions:
There are several surgical techniques commonly used to correct bunions or perform a hallux valgus repair. Deciding which technique is best varies by the severity of the individual’s needs and level of deformity and will be assessed by your specific care team. Common techniques include:
- Osteotomy (cutting and realigning the bone)
- Arthrodesis (fusing the joint)
- Exostectomy (removing the bump)
What does recovery timing look like following Bunion Surgery/Hallux Valgus Repair?
Depending on the procedure that was performed to remove a bunion, patients can expect to be back on their feet in a matter of no time, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Physical therapy and specialized orthotic shoes/devices may be recommended to you by your care team to help aid in recovery and prevent any future foot problems. As always, it’s important to discuss in depth with your qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition to better understand the risks and benefits of bunion surgery.