A bunion is an enlargement of the bone and soft tissue on the inside of the foot, just behind the big toe. Bunions can be both painful and inconvenient as finding a comfortable fitting shoe is difficult.

A bunion deformity is a bump on the side of the foot, just behind the big toe . The bump may or may not be painful.

Severe structural Bunion
deformity and Radiograph

Picture of normal metatarsal-phalangeal joint

Bunions are often inherited and are produced by foot structure and function. As a bunion progresses, the big toe itself will shift toward the other toes. A bunion may represent a true localized growth of bone, a deviation of the 1st metatarsal bone, or a combination of both. Bunions start as small protrusions of bone behind the big toe.

As a bunion progresses, the angle between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal increases, causing the 2nd and 3rd toes to "buckle" and become hammered. In severe cases, the big toe will actually overlap the second toe. They may also occur as a result of other factors. For example, women find that their foot size increases about one half size the birth of a child. This occurs as a combination of hormones released to help with birth and increased weight associated with pregnancy. Most bunions of a mild degree can be treated with functional orthotics.

Surgery
Bunion surgery is performed when a bunion is large and painful, or non responsive to conservative care. Outpatient surgery is recommended for severe bunions. The most common bunion surgery reduces the angle between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. Within hours of the completion of the procedure, you will be home, pain free and ready for recovery.

If you think you have any of these conditions feel free to contact us for more information or to speak with one of our specialists by calling 312-944-2929.