BUNIONS

Bunions (HAV – Hallux Abducto Valgus) often presents as a bone prominence on the inside of one or both feet, near the bottom or base of the big toe. The first ray (metatarsal) has deviated to the mid line of the body (medial deviation). The big toe (Hallux) then rotates (valgus rotation) and deviates towards the outside of the foot (abduction). Bunions do not have one direct cause, but instead are due to a multitude of factors including: hereditary, improper footwear, faulty biomechanics, gait pattern, and trauma.

TREATMENT

We will develop a treatment plan dependent on the stage of bunion you are experiencing.

If in the earlier stage, a patient would benefit from orthotics to prevent the progression of the bunion. It is also essential that the patient get into new proper footwear. All patients will be educated on the proper foot wear based on their feet.

If a patient is in the later stage, our clinics will try their best to reduce the pain. This may be done by therapeutic injection, surgery, orthotics, footwear, etc. Bone surgery is considered last resort due to the high chance of recurrence and long length needed for recovery time.

WITHOUT TREATMENT

Without treatment, the bunion will keep progressing towards the later stage. The late stage is when the big toe (hallux) has completely dislocated/deviated and is now over or under-riding the lesser digits. It is common for the lesser toes to claw – due to the faulty biomechanics. The digital deformities will cause increased likelihood of callus and corn formation – which may eventually lead to ulceration. The patient may also find the bunion extremely painful as arthritis will start to set in.