We treat Bunions

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is when the big toe (hallux) is abnormally deviated towards the other toes.
This results in a bump (enlargement of bone or tissue) around the joint of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint).
Over time the bump becomes larger and can become painful.

Cause, incidence and risk factors

• Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot - in particular excess pronation (rolling inwards of the foot). It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion.
• Wearing footwear that is too tight whereby the toes are squeezed together may be a contributing factor.
• Tight fitting shoes can exacerbate and aggravate bunions. This may explain why bunions are three times more likely to occur in women than men.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain in the big toe joint
• Lump over the big toe joint
• Swollen and inflamed tissue around the bunion
• Discomfort and difficulty in wearing shoes
• Redness around the bunion
• Callus under the ball of the foot
• Burning pain present when resting
• Partial or complete numbness around the bunion and big toe
• Sometimes there is no pain

Classification

Stage 1 - The bunion presents as a slight bump

Stage 2 -The big toe pushes on the 2nd toe. This can cause pain

Stage 3 - The big toe overlaps the 2nd toe. This can limit the patient's mobility and cause pain. Arthritis and stiffness can also develop

Treatment

Beyond Podiatry in Newcastle provides the latest advancements in surgical and non surgical solutions for bunions.

We incorporate experience, knowledge and the latest technology and equipment. This ensures the patient receives the latest in podiatric advances.

We use many evidence based conservative (non surgical) treatments to manage bunions in our clinic. We thoroughly explore all conservative treatment options before we recommend surgery. The majority of our patients are given conservative treatment plans and only a small amount are referred for a surgical opinion. When surgery is indicated, only the latest, conservative, precise and refined techniques are used for bunion surgery.