A bunion is a growth of bone that occurs at the great toe joint.  It can be present either on the top (often referred to as a dorsal bunion) or the side of the great toe knuckle.  It may form for many different reasons including:  genetic predisposition, trauma, poor joint function & alignment and age related wear and tear. 

The great toe can become painful with movement in shoes and over time overlap the neighboring toes.  This can then lead to deformities in these neighboring toes (hammertoes). 

If you have underlying medical conditions such as Diabetes, poor circulation and underlying neuropathy, a bunion can lead to more serious problems including non-healing wounds or bone infection (osteomyelitis). 

Treatment Options

Treatment options are determined primarily on the patient's ultimate goal as well as any associated risk factors.  Conservative care is designed to make the patient comfortable but does not correct the deformity.

Conservative Care:

• Shoe modification
• Orthotics (custom made or over the counter shoe inserts)
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical Therapy
• Laser Therapy

Surgical Care:

Your podiatric surgeon will review x-ray findings and determine the most appropriate procedure to realign your joints that is most suitable to you age, lifestyle and the extent of the deformity.  Although bunions do not occur overnight, early intervention will lead to a better longterm surgical result.