BUNION SURGERY
ORANGE COUNTY
When the big toe of one foot consistently presses too hard against the toe directly next to it, something called a bunion can form. A bunion is an overgrowth of bone on the big toe joint, which can cause a visible and often painful or sore protrusion on the side of the foot. Treatments can vary from simple orthotics to surgical; for severe cases you will want the best doctor for bunion surgery Orange County has to offer.
While the exact cause of bunion development remains under study, certain factors can increase the risk. Wearing narrow or ill-fitting shoes that force the toes to crowd together is a common contributor. Additionally, genetic structural foot defects, other foot stressors, or arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bunions. Explore our treatment options for bunions by contacting us today for more information.
Bunion Symptoms
- A protruding bulge outside of the foot, at the base of the big toe.
- Redness, tenderness or swelling around the joint of the big toe.
- Difficulty with moving the big toe properly, especially if it is affected by arthritis.
Bunion Treatment
Not all bunions require treatment. But when they do, it is essential to see a doctor specializing in conditions affecting the foot. A visit to the doctor is in order when you’re experiencing pain in your big toe or foot as a result of the bunion, if you have a visible bump on the toe joint, difficulty with movement of your big toe or foot, or trouble with finding properly-fitting shoes that don’t cause pain. Consider exploring options for minimally invasive bunionectomy in Anaheim with our specialized team to address your bunion concerns effectively.
Your doctor can usually identify a bunion by physically examining your foot. Once a bunion is suspected, an X-ray can help determine the extent and severity of the bunion.
Some non-surgical treatments can help with bunion pain and symptom relief. These include:
- Wearing proper footwear that is roomy and comfortable.
- Over-the-counter bunion “cushions” that are available in most drug stores can reduce the pain and stress of external pressure on the bunion.
- Some medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can provide temporary pain relief.
- In some cases, cortisone injections may also provide a period of bunion pain relief.
- Ice and rest can help alleviate bunion pain if you’ve been on your feet for a long time.
- Shoe inserts, commonly referred to by medical providers as orthotics, can help the foot more evenly distribute its weight and pressure while inside a shoe, helping to reduce the stress on painful bunions.
Dr. Dr. Haupt performs the Phantom Lapidus Intramedullary Nail procedure for bunion correction.
Services
While the above measures can be effective conservative treatment options for temporary bunion pain relief, at this time, the only treatment to eliminate a bunion is surgery. If non-surgical treatments fail to adequately relieve the pain caused by a bunion, or if the pain starts to interfere significantly with daily activities, bunion surgery, including minimally invasive bunionectomy in Anaheim, may become necessary. There are a variety of surgical procedures used to remove bunions, and your doctor is the best person to know which is right for your situation.
Bunion surgery can involve removal of swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, removal of the bony protrusion, straightening the big toe or realigning bones to normalize the angle of the big toe. In extreme cases, a fusion of the affected toe joint may be in order.
Depending on the type and extent of the surgery involved in removing a bunion, recovery can take time and may include a period of non-weight-bearing activity for the affected foot, as well as physical therapy. After your surgery, it is also important to wear properly fitted footwear to prevent bunion recurrence.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects of a painful bunion, contact us today. With a breadth of experience in bunion surgery in Orange County, Dr. Haupt and his expert team are here to help.
