A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions result from poor alignment of the bones that make up the big toe joint. They may get worse over time, causing pain and making it difficult to wear certain types of shoes.
Bunions
Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box that pushes the toes out of normal alignment is the most common risk factor for developing bunions. Altered alignment of the big toe can be painful, limit range of motion, and make walking uncomfortable.
Wearing wider-fitting shoes and using orthotics can help manage bunions. But if there is significant pain and misalignment of the big toe joint, surgery may be recommended.
Bunion surgery, often called a bunionectomy, cuts and shifts the bones of the big toe joint to improve the alignment. The new position of the big toe joint is then held in place with metal screws. Alternatively, the foot bones can also be surgically fused together and held in place with a metal plate.
During bunion surgery, an incision is made along the base of the big toe. Advances in bunion surgery allow some techniques to be performed in a minimally invasive fashion that uses smaller incisions.
Want to dive deeper? Take a look at some of the bonus educational videos to sharpen your understanding of bunions.
