Let's dive into the topic of bunions. I often get asked, "What exactly are bunions?" Many people notice a small bump on the side of their foot and wonder what it means. To put it simply, a bunion is not just a calcium deposit as some might think. Instead, it's a deviation of the bones in your foot. When you look at a normal foot, the angle between the first and second toe should be under 8 degrees, meaning the bones are almost parallel. However, in the case of a bunion, these bones deviate, causing the joint to angle outward. This results in the bump you see on the side of the foot.
Bunions often form due to inherited foot types. For example, if flat feet run in your family, you may be more prone to developing bunions. As the foot flattens, the first metatarsal fans out, leading to severe bunions where the big toe may overlap or underlap the second toe. There's some debate about when to treat bunions. Some doctors believe that if a bunion isn’t causing pain, it’s best left alone. However, waiting too long can lead to significant pain and arthritis later in life. I’ve had patients in their 70s and 80s who were told to wait, only to develop painful, arthritic joints that could have been treated earlier.
If your bunion bothers you, especially in shoes or daily activities, it's time to see a podiatrist. Advances in surgery, like minimally invasive bunionectomies, allow us to correct the deformity with minimal incisions, reducing the risk of complications. For example, I perform a scarless bunionectomy using a small incision and traditional tools like a chisel and hammer to avoid damaging the bone. This procedure realigns the toe, and patients can walk out of surgery in a boot, usually wearing it for six to eight weeks.
For those interested, you can find more details and see the results of these procedures on my website, ScarlessBunion.com. The proof, as they say, is in the pictures. If you’re considering a bunionectomy, whether traditional or minimally invasive, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and risks. With modern techniques, we can often minimize complications and help you return to your regular activities with minimal downtime.
