What is Bunion and Forefoot Surgeries ?

Bunion surgery is a procedure to correct the deformity caused by bunions and to relieve their symptoms. In addition to relieving pain, bunion surgery can also improve the appearance of bunions.

Causes of Bunion :

Bunions are caused by a hereditary bone structure that develops slowly over the course of a person's life. However, wearing ill-fitting or too-tight shoes can accelerate their progression.

In addition to family history, bunions can also form due to conditions such as flat feet, hypermobility of the big toe, or joint inflammation. Some doctors argue that ill-fitting shoes can also contribute to the formation of bunions if a person is genetically predisposed.

When Should I have Bunion Surgery ?

Bunions are not a cause for concern for most people as long as they are simply bony prominences on the sides of their feet. However, these prominences can grow and eventually become so prominent that they cause severe pain in the big toe joint and lateral deviation of the big toe. As a result, you may experience the following specific symptoms :

Deformity of the big toe.

Pain during normal walking or with wearing wide shoes.

Swelling and lumpiness of the big toe.

Difficulty moving the big toe.

Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly.

These symptoms typically worsen with age. The longer you ignore the initial symptoms of bunions, the worse they will get. In some cases, the condition can lead to complications such as joint arthritis or displacement of the second toe joint. At this stage, surgery is the only permanent option to correct the deformity and provide relief from pain.

How to Perform a Bunionectomy ?

There are several different types of bunionectomy, which aims to either reposition the bone or remove a portion of the tissue. These include :

Osteotomie :The surgeon cuts a portion of the bone to realign the misaligned joint. This procedure is typically performed for moderate bunions and is often combined with ligament repair.

Excision of the Bony Prominence :This procedure refers to the removal of the excess bone from inside the foot. Excision of the bony prominence is often performed in conjunction with osteotomy to achieve optimal results.

Arthrodesis :This type of excision is performed on inflamed or severe bunions. During surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged areas and uses screws or wires to hold the bones together during the healing process.

Ligament Repair :This technique involves repairing the tendons and ligaments that cause imbalance. In most cases, this procedure is performed as an additional surgery. By repairing the ligaments, the surgeon can help to prevent the recurrence of the bunion.

Joint replacement :In rare cases, when the bunion is severe, the surgeon may need to remove the joint entirely and use a joint replacement instead.

The Most Important Tips After Bunionectomy :

• Wearing a special medical brace or support that surrounds the foot during the first weeks after surgery.

• Keeping the affected foot elevated with the possibility of applying ice packs to reduce pain and swelling following surgery during the first few days after.

• Avoiding putting full weight on the foot for a period of time determined by the doctor until the bone heals. Therefore, crutches or other tools are used to reduce pressure on the foot.

Engaging in a rehabilitation program for the foot and fingers under the supervision of a physical therapist, which helps to restore the ability to use the foot as before gradually.

Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes and making sure to wear medical shoes with specific specifications that allow freedom of movement for the toes without damaging them again.

Adhering to taking medications according to the prescribed doses and times.