Have you noticed a bump on the inside of your foot that has been progressively growing? Well, that is one of the most common deformities that foot and ankle surgeons see in their office, known as a bunion. Medical term for bunion is Hallux Abductovalgus. A bunion forms when your big toe pushes against the 2nd toe, forcing the joint of big toe to get bigger and therefore making the joint unstable. Most patients notice this bump after it starts rubbing against the shoes and sometimes gets red and inflamed. Studies have shown that females are more prone to developing a bunion than males. There are several causes for a bunion, some of which include flatfoot, previous foot injuries, inherited foot type, congenital deformities, arthritis, high heels etc. Treatment: nonoperative treatment is usually initiated which includes footwear modifications (shoes with large toe box). If this fails, surgical correction is offered to the patient. There are multiple bunion procedures that can be performed. Successful treatment requires careful evaluation of the deformity. If the deformity is not carefully evaluated, the surgical procedure chosen may not address all components of deformity. Recurrence can also occur if wrong surgical procedure is performed. If the “bump” on your foot is affecting your daily life and limiting your options of wearing dress shoes, make an appointment with our foot and ankle surgeons by calling 732-297- 9535.
