A bunion is a term used to refer to an enlarged bone or tissue located at the big toe. It causes a displacement of the big toe as well as swollen tissues. They are typically caused by pressure applied on the toe joint. The pressure causes the toe to turn slightly towards the other toes. People with the foot type classified as “flat foot” experience more pressure during various activities. Improperly sized shoes can also cause problems.

How to detect a bunion

To detect a bunion, check the big toe for swellings, bumps, irritated skin or extreme pain. It is advisable to ease pressure on the foot by wearing footwear with a lot of space. In cases when this does not solve the problem, bunion surgery is needed.

What Bunion surgery involves

Bunion surgery involves an incision on the big toe joint. The surgeon then repositions misaligned bones and tissues to revert the proper functionality of the big toe. In cases where the damage or deformity is too extreme, screws or plates can be inserted for stability.

Different types of bunion surgery

There are many different types of bunion surgery. Great care must be exercised to choose the proper procedure as bunion surgery is not guaranteed to fully remove all pain associated with the bunion. It is therefore important to consult with the surgeon to determine the right course of action.

Recovery time for bunion surgery