About Bunion Surgery

A bunion is formed when the big toe begins to move towards the second, causing the big toe's joint to push outward against the skin. A bunion is painful, which often becomes red and inflamed, sometimes requiring surgery. Surgery is recommended when traditional methods fail to relieve the pain.

Causes

Bunions can be brought about by several factors. The most common cause is tight-fitting shoes that force the big toe towards the second toe. Other factors could be arthritis, injuries to the foot or standing too long. Bunionettes are bunions that form on the little toe, and they are just as painful.

Surgery

Surgery must be considered when putting on shoes or walking becomes too painful. The procedure is usually an outpatient surgery; the patient can go home the same day. If the bunion surgery is serious enough to require bones being cut and screws put in, it may take as long as six weeks to fully mend. In most cases, the recovery period is much less. The patient may be on crutches, in a cast or in a special piece of footwear known as a bunion shoe after the surgery.

Details

In the worst cases, surgeons will perform a Lapidus bunionectomy. The operation moves the metatarsal bone over and holds it in place with one or two surgical screws. The bone causing the bunion is shaved or removed and the tendon cut so the toe can be repositioned. Additional screws are inserted to keep the toe in its correct position. This helps prevent future bunions.