Bunion (Hallux Valgus)

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - What it is

It is commonly known as “bunion” (hallux means big toe and valgus means bent out or twisted out). A bunion is a common and potentially painful condition with unclear causes. It appears to be a deformed bony bump on the joint at the base of your big toe. It happens when your big toe point towards your second toe.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Symptoms

A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap
Persistent or intermittent pain
Restricted movement of your big toe if arthritis affects the toe

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - How to prevent?

Choose shoes carefully. They should have a wide toe box — no pointy toes — and there should be space between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Causes and Risk Factors

These factors might increase your risk of bunions:

High heels
Wearing high heels forces your toes into the front of your shoes, often crowding your toes.
Poor fitting shoes
People who wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too pointed are
more susceptible to bunions.
Heredity
The tendency to develop bunions might be because of an inherited structural foot defect.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Having this inflammatory condition can make you more susceptible to bunions

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Diagnosis

Generally, observation is enough to diagnose a bunion, as the bump is obvious on the side of the foot or base of the big toe. However, your surgeon may order x-rays that will show the extent of the deformity of the foot.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Treatments

If you have severe pain or trouble walking, and the symptoms do not improve with conservative management, your doctor may recommend bunion surgery. There are different types of surgeries to correct a bunion. Bringing the big toe back to its correct position may involve realigning bone, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Preparing for surgery

Fasting Instructions

Fasting is essential prior to surgery. In the event you did not follow the instructions, the surgery will be rescheduled. No food or drinks (except plain water) after midnight or as instructed. Last drink allowed is half a cup (100ml) of plain water.

Medicine

Certain medications need to be stopped in preparation for the surgery. Please inform your doctor of all medications you are on, especially blood thinners or herbal medications.

Special Instructions

Any recent infection, be it involving the throat, lung, urinary tract or skin must be highlighted to the surgeon prior to surgery. Your surgery might have to be postponed.
Have a parent / legal guardian to give consent if you are below 21 years old.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Post-surgery care

Special Instructions Post Surgery

Activity

You will be supplied with a wedge shoe after surgery- you are to wear it at all times when you walk so that your full body weight will be on your heel. Some bunion procedures allow you to walk on your foot right after the surgery. In these cases, patients must use a special surgical shoe to protect the bunion correction.

Follow the instructions from the surgeon strictly to prevent the bones from shifting and the bunion correction failing.

Exercise

Specific exercises will help restore your foot's strength and range of motion after surgery. Always start these exercises slowly and follow instructions from your doctor or physiotherapist regarding repetitions.

Wound Care

Your doctor will apply your dressing in a specific way to keep the bones in correct position.
Keeping your toe in position is essential for successful healing.
It is very important to follow your doctor's directions about dressing care.
Do not change the dressing without consulting your doctor.
Be sure to keep your wound and dressing dry.
During shower , cover your foot with a plastic bag
Referrals for change of dressing is not given to patient as you need to keep their dressing till follow up.

Special Instructions Post Surgery

Avoid strenuous movements such as twisting; and high impact activities such as jumping and running.
Shoe Wear- It will take several months for your bones to be fully healed. When you have completed the initial rehabilitation period, your doctor will advise you on shoe wear.

How to Elevate Your Foot:

Keep your foot elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery, and apply ice as recommended by your doctor to relieve swelling and pain. Never apply ice directly on your skin. It is common to have some swelling in your foot from 6 months to a year after bunion surgery.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus) - Other Information

Overview

Updated on 2019-10-09T16:00:00Z
Article contributed by Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital

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