A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe

A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body’s weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. Bunions– from the Latin “bunio,” meaning enlargement–can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a “bunionette” or “tailor’s bunion.”

Bunion pain can be treated conservatively with custom orthotics and sometimes injections. But the deformity itself has to be corrected surgically in order to have a functional joint. There are several different types of bunionectomies, depending on the deformity of your foot. Most patients can walk the same day after the surgery in a post operative shoe or a boot. In some cases patients need to be casted for 6-8 weeks. After taking X-rays of your feet, our doctors will discuss the best procedure for you and your life style on the initial visit.