Bunion Problems
© 1999 by Seth A. Rubenstein, D.P.M.

A bunion deformity is a bump on the side of the foot, just behind the big toe (image 1, below). The bump may or may not be painful.

Bunions are produced as a consequence of foot structure and function. A bunion may represent a true localized growth of bone, a deviation of the 1st metatarsal bone or a combination of both factors (image 2, below).

Image 1	Image 2

Bunions may also occur as a result of other factors. For example, some women find that their foot size increases about one half size after the birth of a child. This occurs as a combination of hormones released to help with birth and increased weight associated with pregnancy.

A bunion which is not painful should be treated with a good arch support to help limit pronation and modification of shoe gear.

Painful bunions which are not very large can be treated with functional orthotics, shoe gear modification, oral medication and occasionally physical therapy. When a bunion is large and painful, or non responsive to conservative care, surgery is recommended.

Following surgery, full recovery can take two to three months. Depending on the type of procedure performed, weight bearing may be permitted in as little as two to three days. For more complicated procedures, a non weight bearing cast may be applied for 4 to 6 weeks.

Due to new surgical techniques, bunion surgery usually involves minimal post operative pain. Following post operative instructions is critical to a satisfactory outcome.