Bunions

Bunions, also known as Hallux Valgus, is a complex big toe condition which causes a bump to form on the inside of your big toe.

Very often you can have deformities of your other toes because of the pressure the big toe places by angling outwards. These deformities can often make it hard to wear shoes.

The exact cause of bunions is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to their development, including:

  • Genetics: Certain foot shapes and inherited structural abnormalities can increase the likelihood of developing bunions.

  • Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels can squeeze the toes together and increase the risk of bunions.

  • Foot mechanics: Conditions like flat feet or excessive pronation can place additional stress on the big toe joint, leading to bunion formation.

  • Ligamentous conditions: Conditions that affect ligaments and joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk of developing bunions.

While it can be painful, disabling and sometimes unsightly fortunately there are ways to prevent it, control it and fix it.

Preventing Bunions:

  • Avoiding high heels and tight fitting shoes

  • Maintain a healthy weight to prevent overload

  • Nevertheless, in many cases this condition occurs despite the trying to avoid it

 Controlling Bunions:

  • Wear roomy, comfortable shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion

  • Use orthotic devices such as bunions pads, toe-hold splints or insoles to cushion, support and prevent progression in the affected area

  • Taking simple pain relief like paracetamol and NSAIDS

Fixing Bunions:

The only way to fix your deformity is surgery and there are a whole host of various procedures to treat this condition.

Dr Janan is up to date with the latest techniques in minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery and this has been shown to be effective at treating this painful condition. Every foot is different so we will carefully assess your foot and overall history to determine what is the best way forward to treat your bunions. We aim to complete your operation as a day case procedure and get you walking the same day in special post-operative shoes.

bunion hallux valgus Janan Chandrananth Orthopaedic surgeon Melbourne
 
Bunions surgery Dr Janan Chandrananth Melbourne Best

FAQs

Will Bunion surgery completely correct the appearance of my foot?

Bunion surgery is mainly done to relieve pain, improve foot function, and correct the alignment of the big toe joint. While it generally improves the appearance of the foot, complete cosmetic correction cannot always be guaranteed. The amount of correction depends on various factors, including the severity of the bunion and the surgical techniques used.

Will I have scars after Bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery involves incisions, which can result in scars. The size and location of the scars can vary depending on the surgical techniques used. Over time, scars generally fade and become less noticeable. Dr Janan prefers doing minimally invasive surgery which uses tiny (5mm) incisions which tends to minimises scarring and infections.

How long am I off my feet after Bunion surgery?

Post-operative shoe bunions Janan Chandrananth Orthopaedic Best Surgeon

We aim to get you walking day 1. You are fitted with a special post-operative shoe that helps put most of your weight through the heel rather than the front of your foot. You will be in this shoe for about 6 weeks. Depending on the time of your operation you may be able to go home the same day, otherwise you will stay in hospital overnight. You will expect some postoperative pain and swelling, and the pain starts to improve after a day or so. You are advised not to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 6 weeks after which you can gradually return to full duties.