A bunion (hallux valgus) is one of the most common orthopedic deformities of the forefoot, affecting the big toe and the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint where the toe connects to the foot. With this joint deformity, the first metatarsal bone moves toward the body’s median line, and the big toe moves inwards towards the other toes, which may be accompanied by painful swelling or a bony growth on the inner edge of the foot. Depending on the bunion’s severity, complaints can range from a purely aesthetic problem to serious pain, difficulty wearing shoes, or compression and deformation of the adjacent toes. Statistically, this deformity occurs much more often in women than in men. In some cases, bunions can be treated with non-surgical methods and conservative treatment - e.g., special insoles, physiotherapy or pain relief - but in advanced stages, surgery is often the only permanent solution.
Bunion surgery
What causes bunions?
Bunions are often caused by hereditary predisposition, with the foot deformity affecting several generations within a family. An even more common cause is inappropriate footwear: shoes that are too narrow, with pointed toes, and prolonged wearing of high heels place significant strain on the front of the foot, forcing the toes into an inappropriate position, which in the long-term leads to deformity of the big toe. Weakness of the connective tissues can be increased by certain hormonal and metabolic disorders – such as thyroid diseases – which can also contribute to bunion formation. Being overweight places additional mechanical strain on the foot, while pregnancy – if the predisposition already exists – can also aggravate the symptoms.
What are the most common symptoms of a bunion?
The characteristic symptom of bunions is the widening of the forefoot via a bony growth at the base of the big toe, often accompanied by pain in the forefoot, which may also be due to overloading of the adjacent metatarsal bone. The pain occurs primarily during exertion, while it is relieved or even eliminated by rest. A common complaint is difficulty wearing shoes, which can be exacerbated by skin irritation, inflammation or even injury over the bony growth. The deformed big toe can also force the adjacent toes into a bad position, which can lead to the development of hammer toes. This can be described as a chain reaction due to the structural disruption of the foot, which further worsens the position of the toes and decreases walking comfort.
What preliminary tests are required?
The diagnosis and severity of the bunion are determined after a specialist examination and appropriate x-rays. We then plan the surgical treatment according to the given condition, considering other concomitant foot deformities.
In most cases, these are procedures that can be performed under general anesthesia, so laboratory tests and an anesthesiology consultation are required, and in certain cases, an ECG or chest x-ray may also be necessary.
How is bunion surgery performed?
Basically, the restoration of a lesion affecting the foot’s big toe MTP joint also affects the entire area. Most bone axis corrections are performed on the first metatarsal bone, and in all cases, it is necessary to achieve the appropriate soft tissue balance. Considering the degree of deformity and other foot deformities, we select the type of bone surgery to be performed, which may involve the base of the big toe or the bones of the foot.
Corrective osteotomies (the surgical cutting of a bone, especially to allow realignment) are fixed using different types of screws, but usually titanium ones; titanium miniplates are rarely needed. In certain cases, it is also possible to use implants made of absorbable material instead of metal pins. Due to their absorbability, these do not need to be removed.
What should you do after bunion surgery?
After bunion surgery, depending on the type of procedure, a recovery period of approximately 6 weeks is generally expected. During this time, it is important to avoid putting weight on the operated foot, attend regular check-ups, and perform the rehabilitation exercises recommended by your doctor to help regain range of motion and achieve full recovery.
Skin sutures can usually be removed after 2 weeks, following which it may be advisable to wear a corrective bandage during the healing period. If other deviations were not corrected at the same time, and other metal fasteners (such as staples) were not required, the area may be exposed to water from the 3rd day after suture removal.
Until full weight bearing is achieved – usually after 6 weeks – thrombosis prophylaxis (low molecular weight heparin injection) must be continued.
What are the risks of bunion surgery?
As with any surgical intervention, complications may occur during the correction of hallux valgus, such as bleeding, vascular and nerve injury, wound healing disorders, bone remodeling disorders, a partial return of the deformity, thrombosis, and embolism. However, all of these are rare and can be minimized with thorough preparation, surgical planning, careful execution, and appropriate aftercare and compliance with post-operative instructions.
Bunion surgery fees
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WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly trained specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- Premium inpatient department. 4 operating rooms and 44 patient rooms equipped to meet every need, with 54 beds, are available to our patients. The highest professional standards combined with an exclusive environment to promote healing allow you to recover in safety and with complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.
If you have any complaints about foot deformities such as bunions, please contact the doctors of Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.