Why Do People Get Bunions? – KC Foot Care

Why Do People Get Bunions?

 

Bunions are a common problem that occur around the big toe joint also as a side note you can get a bunion by your little toe that is called a Tailor’s bunion or bunionette. A common bunion it’s called Hallux Valgus, this is because the big toe medically is called the Hallux and Valgus is the deviation of the big toe towards the second toe which can develop into a hammertoe. Bunions are generally hereditary, but they can miss a generation. Your mother or your father may not have a bunion, but your aunt or Uncle may. So, when we look at a bunion deformity we think of hereditary factors, structural factors which is the enlargement of the bone and functional components which cause bunions. Most people that have bunions have a degree of pronation which is the foot flattening on weight-bearing is can occur in function at the level of the foot and ankle. Normally shoes contribute to the pain and discomfort because of pressure from being narrow and to tight causing pressure on the bunion, but rarely do narrow shoes cause bunions. Women have a higher chance of bunion development because of shoes being tight and painful. The use of online and or OTC products can relieve the pressure on the bony enlargement. In countries where people do not wear shoes bunions and hammer toes are seen. Generally, the exception is when an injury occurs to the leg or ankle this causes functional change to cause the bunion deformity which procedures pain and swelling without a true hereditary or structural abnormality. The bunion is bone but sometimes have a fluid-filled sac around the joint and rheumatoid arthritis can also be a cause of bunion pain.

How Do You Get Rid of Bunions ?

When looking at bunion deformities and treatments they vary tremendously. It’s important to understand that hammer toe deformities generally occur in later stages a bunion development. This is because of compensation because the big toe doesn’t function correctly as it did before. And this overview of bunions we classify bunions as mild, moderate and severe. This is based off of X-ray findings and not related to the size of the bunion. One type of bunion that is different that will discuss later is called hallux limitus which is a dorsal bunion behind the big toe that limits function and is commonly referred to as turf toe. Bunion surgery is sometimes necessary but symptoms can be treated by steroid injection’s and shoe inserts which are also called custom-made orthotics As we discuss with mild bunion deformities ,the majority of the pain is caused by the bump or enlargement itself. These are generally treated with a simple type of bunion removal on an outpatient basis. It is important for the patient to do range of motion exercises after surgery to get function and range of motion in the joint to return to normal activities and reduce arthritis after bunion surgery. The patient can immediately bear weight but limited for the first week.

Moderate bunions have the same basic component as a simple bunion the enlargement of bone is the same but upon x-ray evaluation it is noted the angle between the first and second metatarsal is larger. This angle contributes to the problem and must be corrected. The procedure for correction requires cutting the bone realigning it, the bone is held together with very small screw fixation that is countersunk so there would be no pain when it heals from the screw it doesn’t go off at the airport because of the size being so small. The surgery is done outpatient under a light sedation. The patient with this procedure can generally bear weight immediately but of course its limited for the first 3 to 5 days.

Severe bunion deformities involve both components from a simple and moderate bunion which is the enlargement of the bunion or bone and the deviation of second metatarsal is significant and this requires the correction to be more significant, it is stabilized which screw fixation similar to the mild bunion deformity. The problem with a severe bunion because of the significant correction required patients cannot walk on their foot for 2 to 4 weeks, again range of motion exercises are necessary after surgery.

In conclusion in my office we use the most Advanced Techniques available for the treatment of bunion deformity. With thorough evaluation and diagnosis, the patient can understand the procedure and follow up, patients are very pleased with the result. I review the procedure with the patient, we review x-rays which are digital we print those on a piece of paper that goes home with you, so you thoroughly understand the procedure itself. On my website at www.kcfootcare.com under bunion deformities are animated videos of the Austin bunionectomy for moderate bunions and CBWO video which is for more severe bunion deformities. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis under light sedation we are breathing on your own. You are given proper pain medication to control any pain or discomfort you will have my cell number if there’s a problem I will call you the night of surgery to review instructions and concerns. Follow up in our office is determined on an individual basis based upon the procedure. The incision is closed with butterfly type closure which minimizes any scarring.

Dr. Thomas Bembineasta, serving Overland Park and Kansas City, Missouri (both north off Barry Rd. and south of the river, midtown area). Dr. Bembineasta offers expert podiatric services and focuses on patient care and responding to individual patient needs.

Dr. Bembineasta is originally from Chicago but has been practicing in Kansas City for 34 years. My philosophy is always to put the patient first, time will always be taken to listen to your problem and review treatments. Each care plan is tailored to your individual needs. We use advanced technology with digital x-rays, lasers, and instructional videos.

Podiatrists hold Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degrees (D.P.M.). Dr. Bembineasta is also board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

The podiatry practice of Dr. Thomas Bembineasta, serves Independence, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri (both north and south of the River), and Overland Park, Kansas, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Bembineasta offers expert and professional podiatric services and focuses on patient care and responding to his patients’ needs.

Originally from Chicago, Dr. Bembineasta has now been practicing in the Kansas City area for 28 years. We accept most insurances and will assist you with questions concerning coverage.

Podiatrists hold doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degrees. Dr. Bembineasta is also board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Podiatrists are the foremost authorities and medical specialists of the foot and ankle. The following list includes some common conditions that podiatrists often diagnose and treat:

• Heel pain
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Planter warts – Hammertoes
• Morton’s neuroma and
• Planter fasciitis.

We have offices in Overland Park and Kansas City off Barry Road.