A bunion is a deformity of the great toe wherein it is bent towards the other toes of the foot. This condition is fairly common affecting about 23% percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 65, increasing to 30% in those over 60 years, with women being more commonly affected across all age groups.
Various theories regarding the formation of bunions exist with the understanding that insensible footwear contributes to the abnormal shape of the toe. However, bunions can occur even in those used to wearing only comfortable footwear. The manner of walking, joint conditions, and genetic influences underlie the formation of bunion.
Bunions can be readily diagnosed on clinical examination. Additional imaging studies are done to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any joint deformity.
The American college of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends an initial conservative approach to treatment through non-operative methods followed by surgery if needed.
Surgical correction of the Bunion is considered if the above conservative methods fail to relieve symptoms. There are various different surgeries which can be considered to correct the deformity and the choice is made based on individual patients, their symptoms, and goals of treatment. The most common are as follows
It is important to understand that surgery is aimed at decreasing painful symptoms and adjusting the deformity to the best possible extent. It is unlikely to completely straighten the toe or to allow the individual with wearing narrow-toed shoes. Generally, rest from walking for 6 to 8 weeks is recommended following surgery to allow for healing.