Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Fri, Jun 24, 2011 @ 02:02 PM
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is often described as a bump on the side of the foot where the toe joint is. However, a bunion is more than that. The visible bump represents actual changes in the bony framework of the foot. This disorder causes the toe to “bow out” instead of pointing straight ahead.
What is a Tailor’s Bunion?
A tailor’s bunion is a bunion that occurs on the little toe where the metatarsal bone meets the little toe. Tailor’s bunion is a deformity caused when the head of the metatarsal is pushed outwards. The result is often a painful and swollen protrusion from the outside of the foot. It is also referred to as a bunionette.
The causes, diagnosis and treatments are similar for these two types of bunion. Treatment options that are specific to each kind of bunion can vary slightly depending on the severity and type of bunion. If you suffer from either type of bunion they should be evaluated by a doctor for recommended treatment options.
Causes
Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump. As the condition progresses, this bump will become increasingly prominent. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people may never have symptoms.
Bunions are a common foot deformity that can be inherited or occur as a result of repeated stress to the joint. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Not wearing proper sized footwear that crowd one’s toes will not cause bunions, however it can contribute to the progression of the deformity. As a result, symptoms may appear sooner with improper footwear.
Symptoms
The symptoms will occur at the site of the bunion and may include pain, soreness, redness, inflammation or possibly a burning sensation. Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes, such as shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men. In addition, spending long periods of time on your feet can aggravate the symptoms of bunions.
Diagnosis
Bunions are easy to spot because the prominence is easily visible at the base of the big toe or side of the foot. However, to fully evaluate the severity of the condition, x-rays are used to determine the degree of the deformity and assess the changes that have occurred. Because bunions are progressive, they will not go away, and will become worse.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most people find relief from wearing soft, pliable shoes, and arch supports, and from applying ice to the sore toe joint. Sometimes observation of the bunion is all that’s needed. To reduce the chance of damage to the joint, periodic evaluation and x-rays may be recommended.
In many other cases, however, some type of treatment is needed. Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won’t reverse the deformity itself. Some of these treatments include wearing proper fitting footwear or the addition of padding to footwear. Custom prescription orthotics are often helpful. Modifying activities that aggravate this condition may be necessary, ice and anti-inflammatory medications can help with swelling and pain. View a complete list of non-surgical options for bunion treatments.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Severe bunions may need to be surgically corrected. A variety of surgical procedures are available to treat bunions. Surgical procedures are designed to remove the “bump” of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is to reconstruct the foot and therefore reducing pain.
To learn more about how Dr. Young and Dr. Nelson of the Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists are effectively treating foot and ankle disorders with the latest treatments and technology, visit www.BestFootDoc.com. For information about their highly effective heel pain and plantar fasciitis treatments visit www.SeattleHeelPain.com
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Brandon Nelson on Wed, Mar 30, 2011 @ 12:21 PM
This represents part 2 of the Bunion and Tailor's bunion surgery blog:
The patient had a bunionectomy and tailor's bunion surgery corrected at our certified surgery center. The patient was able to avoid the hassle and expense of a hospital, but with all the same comforts. The patient required only intravenous sedation and was walking within one week after surgery. The postoperative x rays can be appreciated below.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Brandon Nelson on Wed, Mar 30, 2011 @ 12:17 PM
This will be a 2 part blog series, this is part 1 of 2:
Bunions and tailor's bunions can be painful foot conditions that interfere with a patients ability to stay active and healthy. Bunions, also called metatarsus primus varus and tailor's bunions, also called a bunionettes can be treated conservatively or with surgery. The causes of bunions are attributed to genetics, activity level, trauma and or shoe gear.
- This drawing depicts a bunion, the bunion becomes pronounced as the big toe begins to drift towards the outside of the foot
I recently had a patient present to the clinic with increased foot pain. No family history of foot pain and no trauma to the foot. Here are the preoperative x rays.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com