Bunion

Bunions are one of the most uncomfortable and irritating foot issues, and they’re often untreated because not many people realize that good solutions are readily available. At North Point Orthopaedics, the experienced foot care specialists want patients to know that proven bunion solutions are available in their Munster and Crown Point, Indiana, offices. With PROstep™ minimally invasive bunion correction, you find foot pain relief quickly and can be back on your feet faster than with traditional bunion surgery. Call the office nearest to you or book your appointment online now.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a swollen bump at the bottom of your big toe, on the side of your foot. Bunions represent a problem with the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, where the first long foot bone (metatarsal) joins the first big toe bone (proximal phalanx). 

Due to pressure, foot imbalances, and other issues, the two bones can drift apart. The bunion forms as the two bones move further apart, with your first proximal phalanx moving toward your other toes and your first metatarsal moving in the opposite direction. This may cause your toe to overlap your other toes.

Bunions usually grow larger over time due to continued pressure on the joint as you walk, stand, and go about your normal activities.

What problems do bunions cause?

Bunions usually cause a number of symptoms in and around your big toe, including: 

• Prominent swelling 
• Pain
• Skin irritation, like red or raw skin 
• Corns or calluses
• Stiffness
• Joint enlargement that prevents you from wearing your usual shoes

As a bunion first develops, you might not have too many problems with it. But they almost always progress to cause symptoms if untreated. 

What can I expect from bunion treatment?

As soon as you’re aware of the bunion, it’s important to see your North Point Orthopaedics provider for guidance. Even if your bunion isn’t causing any symptoms, preventive measures like orthotics and changing your shoes may help to prevent it from progressing. 

If you have pain, difficulty moving your toe, or other issues because of your bunion, your provider recommends a situation-specific treatment plan. In some cases, padding, taping, orthotics, and other conservative care can alleviate bunion symptoms. 

However, a bunion is a bone abnormality, which means that the only curative treatment is surgery. North Point Orthopaedics offers PROstep™, a minimally invasive bunion removal surgery. 

In PROstep, your surgeon uses miniature tools to remove your bunion and stabilize your joint through microscopic incisions of only about one-tenth of an inch long. This approach allows for faster recovery, less swelling, barely visible scars, and less pain during your recovery. 

After PROstep, many patients are up and on their feet, walking in a walking boot, in a matter of days. Physical therapy can help you to strengthen and stabilize your foot as you recover, which helps to ease pain and reduce the risk of recurrence.

To learn more about how the newest bunion treatments can get you back on your feet, call the North Point Orthopaedics office in your area or click on the online appointment maker now.