Comprehensive Care for Foot & Ankle Problems
Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion deformity, involves a deformity of the large joint of the big toe. In the simplest terms, a bunion is a partial dislocation of the joint at the base of the big toe. As the dislocated big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, the head of the 1st metatarsal becomes more prominent, forming a visible bump. Bunions can be painful, and although they may look like an abnormal growth, they are, in fact, just a dislocated joint. Bunions form over time and can cause improper foot function, not to mention making it uncomfortable to wear shoes. Just like any dislocated joint, bunions will worsen if left untreated and affect the health of your foot. If you’re suffering from bunions in Highland Park, IL, our office can help you get back on your feet!
As the joint moves more out of place and the bunion worsens, you will experience increased pain and swelling. Since a bump is forming on the outside of your toe, your shoes will become tight and this may cause redness and irritation. At times, you may also feel a “burning” sensation–this is generally caused by ill-fitting shoes pinching a nerve.
Causes of Bunions
Bunions can form for multiple reasons. Some people are born with bunion deformities, while others develop them over time. There is a hereditary factor shown to play a large role in bunion formation, with certain families having several members with bunions. Gender can also play a role. Statistically, women are more likely than men to form bunions. Abnormal mechanical function of the foot is also a main link to the growth of bunions.
What Are the Effects of Bunions?
As a bunion increases in size, the big toe will push to position itself beneath the second and third toes, causing a hammertoe deformity. There are also certain cases where a fluid-filled cyst, or bursal sack, will grow between the skin and the joint. The bursal sack is your body’s natural attempt to protect the area from the bunion. In most cases, these developments end up causing you more pain. The best way to avoid worsening pain is to have your bunion treated as soon as possible.
It’s a common misconception that ill-fitting shoes cause bunions. Although this is incorrect, the shoes that you wear do have a direct impact on the comfort of your feet. If you have a bunion, avoid shoes that are high-heeled, have pointed toes, or are too small for your feet. These types of shoes will cause irritation and therefore increase the pain of your bunion deformity.
Treatments for Bunions
When the toe joint is not functioning properly, the rest of your foot and ankle will also be affected over time. It is important to treat your foot problem as soon as possible. In order to accurately diagnose a bunion deformity, our podiatrist will look at your medical history, perform a complete physical examination and a biomechanical evaluation, plus use x-ray technology to look at your foot. Once complete, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment for your specific condition.
Bunion treatment varies depending on your condition type and severity. Generally, it consists of orthotic shoe inserts, foot pads, anti-inflammatory medication, and other pain-relieving treatment methods. Many podiatrists use a combination of these methods to relieve or eliminate foot pain. Alternative methods, like splints or digital wedges, have not proven to be effective in correcting a bunion deformity, and none of the above methods will provide a structural reposition of the toe joint.
In some cases, our podiatrists at Weil Foot & Ankle may find that surgical treatment is the best course of action for your bunion. If this is the case, there are many surgical procedures that have been developed over the last 150 years to remove bunions and restore the toe joint to its original position. After a proper evaluation, our podiatrist will determine which treatment method is best for your specific case.
Weil Foot & Ankle proudly offers two proprietary procedures available for treating bunions:
- Lapiplasty– this treatment addresses your symptoms AND the cause of your bunion, and
- Scarfplasty– this corrects all planes of deformity at once, shortening recovery time and allowing you to bear weight on your feet immediately.
The skilled surgeons at the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute developed a bunion surgery called the “Scarf Procedure,” in which both of your feet are corrected simultaneously. Most patients can return to wearing regular shoes within 7-10 days after surgery.
Surgical procedures for bunion removal are generally performed on an outpatient basis in a surgical center or hospital. In many cases, we can treat your bunions and any other foot deformities you may have, like hammertoes, corns, or calluses, at the same time.
Recovery Time After Bunion Treatment
After the surgical procedure, your foot will be bandaged and a special post-operative shoe must be worn for one week. Beyond the first week, athletic shoes may be worn, but weight-bearing exercise and prolonged standing are not recommended for 6-8 weeks, depending on the severity of your case. It’s important to stay active in some way that doesn’t put stress on your healing foot in order to stay healthy while you’re recovering. A home exercise program is beneficial for regaining strength and flexibility. Once healing is complete, you can return to your normal activities and wear regular shoes.
Contact Our Office to Learn More About Bunions in Highland Park, IL!
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (847)393-4276. Call Weil Foot & Ankle Institute for top-rated bunion treatment in Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Lemont, Libertyville, Oak Park, Roselle, & Tinley Park, Illinois (IL)!
