The medical term is hallus valgus or hallux abducto valgus while most lay people refer to the ugly bony deformity that bends a toe to one side as a bunion. However you might refer to the condition it’s painful and can knock a person’s
stride off causing problems with the leg, hip and back. These problems mean that bunion removal needs to be achieved as quickly as possible.
A bunion appears when there’s a bio mechanical abnormality of the foot causing the tendons, ligaments and other supportive structures of the toes to function improperly. This can happen for many reasons like a genetic problem affecting the flexibility of the foot. It can be due to other influences like poorly fitted shoes or a repeated stress on the foot. Usually bunions affect the big toe driving it to the second toe. The pain this causes is another reason to look for relief in finding a bunion removal treatment.
There are several methods to treating bunions such as wearing better shoes, putting padding or shielding into the shoes, resting the foot, putting ice of the bunion, and there are even medications. One of the best ways to affect bunion removal through is by visiting a podiatrist or orthopedist.
An orthopedist may try splints or gel toe spacers, cushions or toe separators. A podiatrist could also try these remedies, but he might also opt for various surgery techniques for bunion removal.
There are various methods to try during a bunion removal surgery. A doctor might remove the abnormal bony enlargement of the toe; realign the first metatarsal bone to stand straight instead of bending toward the second toe, realigning the cartilage of the big toe, shortening or lengthening the bone in the big toe. To complete the bunion removal a doctor might also correct any bowing or misalignment of the toe.
After the bunion removal, it’s important to wear the proper footwear as prescribed by the doctor so as not to re-injury or stress the toe. Bunion removal is usually done under local anesthesia and a patient might need crutches from 6-8 weeks to ensure a complete recovery.