Bunion Surgery

Posted on November 8, 2011 by copywriter

For people with severe bunion pain

Bunion surgery can correct deformity and relieve pain leading to improved function.

Bunions are identified by a painful bump on the side of the foot. Bunions result from uneven pressure on the foot forcing the joints to realign, causing a bony bump to form at the base of the big toe. As bunion symptoms progress, so too does the severity of pain.

If conservative treatments, such as orthotic devices, physical therapy or over the counter pain-relievers, fail to provide adequate relief, then bunion surgery may be necessary.

Bunion surgery typically involves removing the bony growth of the bunion and realigning the big toe. A podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon can employ one of several different surgical procedures to treat bunions.

For less severe symptoms, a simple bunionectomy involves only the removal of the bony growth and requires the shortest amount of recovery time. Severe bunions may require a more involved procedure to provide permanent relief.

Additional types of bunion surgery:

  • Osteotomy – The bone is cut to either shorten or lengthen and to realign.
  • Arthrodesis – The damaged surface of the joint is removed and replaced with new bone material followed by the insertion of either screws, wires, or plates to hold the surfaces together.
  • Resection Arthroplasty – Similar to arthrodesis, but recommended for patients who have had previous bunion surgery, or have severe arthritis.

In addition to damage to the joints, the tendons and ligaments around the big toe are also often in need of repair. These tissues may be too tight on one side and too loose on the other, creating the tension that causes the big toe to drift toward the others.

Shortening or lengthening of the tendons or ligaments is often combined with other forms of bunion surgery to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Recuperation from bunion surgery takes time and may involve swelling and some discomfort for several weeks.

Read more about podiatry and cosmetic podiatry in Rancho Cucamonga.

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Bunion Pain

Posted on November 4, 2011 by copywriter

A frequent cause of foot pain when walking or wearing shoes

Bunions are one of the most common forefoot deformities. The condition is primarily caused by inward shifting of the big toe, which begins crowding the smaller toes. This realignment of the toes causes a bony bump, or bunion, to develop on the side of foot at the joint of the big toe. Bunion pain occurs from friction against the bony bump and crowding of the toes. As a result the skin and deeper tissue around the bunion also may become swollen or inflamed.

Bunions result from years of uneven motion and pressure on the joints and ligaments of the feet. Bunion pain varies with the severity of symptoms and level of activity. The pain of friction against the side of the foot and increased pressure on the toes can eventually limit mobility, turning moderate activity, such as walking, into an unpleasant ordeal.

Reduce Bunion Pain

To reduce bunion pain, podiatrists offer a variety of treatments to relieve pressure and prevent further deformity of the joints. For mild bunion pain, padding or taping can provide considerable relief by minimizing friction against the joint. This helps to keep the foot in normal alignment.

For more severe bunion symptoms, a podiatrist may recommend exercises and orthotics. Exercises or physical therapy can relieve tension and counteract pressure on the joints. Orthotic devices, such as a bunion splint or custom insoles, provide support and aid in repositioning the toes. Lastly, over the counter anti-inflammation medications, such as Aspirin or ibuprofen, can also help to ease inflammation often associated with bunion pain.

When bunion pain persists in spite of exercises or orthotic remedies a surgical operation is considered for removal of the bunion. Surgical procedures can correct deformity and relieve bunion pain leading to improved function.

Learn more about treatment for bunion pain in the Inland Empire, CA.

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Bunion Symptoms

Posted on October 26, 2011 by copywriter

A bunion is a bony bump that forms most commonly on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused by pressure forcing of the big toe inward and squeezing the smaller toes into an abnormal position.

Women report bunion symptoms more often than men. Some studies suggest that women are nearly 10 times more likely to experience bunion symptoms. Bunions develop gradually as a result of uneven pressure on the joints and tendons of the feet. This pressure causes the joint to be unstable, resulting in an eventual realignment and the formation of hard knob at the base of the joint.

As pressure from the bearing and shifting of weight frequently falls on the big toe, the most common visual bunion symptom is the dramatic inward direction of the big toe, which crowds the other toes.

Risk factors for the development of bunions include foot injury, an abnormal formation of the foot at birth, nerve conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive strenuous motion. Tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes create additional pressure on the foot and may exacerbate existing factors. This may be the reason that bunion symptoms are common among ballet dancers.

Additional symptoms of a bunion to look for include:

  • Swelling, redness or soreness around the big toe joint
  • Thickening of the skin at the base of the big toe
  • Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap
  • Persistent or intermittent pain
  • Restricted movement of the big toe

The severity of bunion symptoms varies widely, but pain from a bunion can be strong enough to inhibit normal mobility.

For moderate bunion symptoms non-surgical treatments involve simply resting the foot by avoiding excessive walking and wearing wider shoes or sandals that provide support while not rubbing against the foot. Additionally, over the counter anti-inflammation medications, such as Aspirin or ibuprofen, can help to ease inflammation and pain. Application of a cold pack can also be helpful.

For persisting pain from bunion symptoms, a surgical operation is available from a cosmetic podiatrist.

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Study Compares Laser Vein Treatment to Vein Removal Surgery

Posted on October 17, 2011 by copywriter

If you’re bothered by varicose veins, you may be considering treatments like endovenous laser treatment or a surgical vein removal procedure. A new study in Archives of Dermatology compares both of these treatments.

In 346 patients, doctors performed either procedure and evaluated patient satisfaction, recurrence of the veins, blood flow in the veins, and side effects.

Both vein treatments produced similar results. They were effective and showed high patient satisfaction. “”Ninety-eight percent of the study population would undergo each treatment once again, when asked two years after treatment,” said Dr. Knuth Rass of Saarland University Hospital in Homburg.

Differences Between the Vein Treatments

Recurrence of varicose veins occurred in 16.2 percent of the laser treatment group and 23.1 percent of the vein stripping group.

17.8 percent of laser treatment patients developed a condition resulting in backward flow of blood through the vein. This condition occurred in only 1.3 percent of vein stripping patient group.

Researchers judged the results of endovenous laser treatment as superior. The laser treatment showed a faster recovery, better cosmetic outcome and improved blood flow. However, there were more side effects and pain reported in the laser treatment group.

Resources

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Bunion Removal Surgery

Posted on October 6, 2011 by copywriter

If other attempts to heal the painful spot on the outside of your big toe have failed, you may benefit from bunion removal surgery.

The main goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and regain proper alignment in the joint. There are over many different surgical approaches to bunion removal, so it is a good idea to know your options and to consult with a qualified podiatrist as you plan for treatment.

Common Surgery Options for Bunion

The surgical approach that is most appropriate for your bunion will depend on the anatomy of your foot, the location and size of your bunion, and many other factors. Sometimes the best approach is to remove a section of the metatarsal bone; other times, the solution is to repair the soft tissues surrounding the metarsal that have created an imbalance.

Exostectomy (Bunionectomy)

This bunion removal procedure is used to remove the problematic section of the metatarsal head. The metatarsal is then realigned, and screws or tiny wires are inserted to stabilize the bone. Repair of the surrounding tissues may also be performed if necessary. These tissues may be too tight on one side and too loose on the other, creating an imbalance that causes the big toe to drift toward the others. Often combined with an osteotomy, the exostectomy shortens the loose tissues and lengthens the tight ones.

Osteonomy

During osteonomy, a wedge of the metatarsal bone is cut and realigned to achieve proper alignment.

Resection Arthroplasty

Used more frequently for older patients or those with acute arthritis, the goal of this procedure is to remove bone from the joint of the first metatarsal.

Most  bunion removal surgeries will take about one hour. A regional anesthetic will be used to numb the foot, and a sedative may also be administered to make you more comfortable.

Recovery from Bunion Removal

Though the estimation for complete recovery can take as long as one-year, bunion removal surgery may be the best option for some bunion sufferers. As with any surgery, recovery depends on the complexity of the surgery as well as your health and age. Some patients are able to begin walking after just a few weeks, while others cannot put weight on the affected foot for eight weeks. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery and you will be able to assume your regular activities, most likely with improved movement and increased enjoyment.

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