Bunion Deformity
A bunion is a foot deformity that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe to bend towards the other toes and form a bony bump on the side of the foot. This can be painful and make it hard to wear shoes that would fit well. Some possible causes of bunions are inherited foot problems, foot injuries, arthritis, or wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Bunions can be diagnosed by a physical exam and an X-ray of the foot.
There are different ways to surgically treat bunions, depending on how severe they are and how much they cause pain.
Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy | 3rd Generation MICA
3rd Generation MICA bunion surgery is a new and innovative minimally invasive procedure that can correct a bunion and improve the alignment of the big toe. MICA stands for Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin, which are the names of the two types of bone cuts that are made in the foot. The chevron osteotomy is a V-shaped cut in the first metatarsal, the long bone behind the big toe. The Akin osteotomy is a straight cut in the big toe bone. Both cuts allow the surgeon to shift the bones into a better position and fix them with screws. The screws are usually buried under the skin and do not need to be removed.
MICA bunion surgery has some advantages over traditional open surgery, such as:
- Smaller incisions and less scarring
- Less damage to the soft tissues and blood vessels
- Less pain
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
However, MICA bunion surgery may not be suitable for everyone. It depends on the severity of the bunion, the shape of the foot, and other factors. Please contact us for an appointment to help you decide if MICA bunion surgery is right for you.
Lapidus | Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™
The Lapidus procedure aims to correct bunion deformity by fusing the joint between the first metatarsal bone and one of the small bones in the middle of the foot called the medial cuneiform. This means that the two bones are joined together with screws or plates and will not move anymore. This can help to straighten the big toe and prevent the bunion from coming back. The Lapidus procedure is usually done when the bunion is very severe or when there is too much movement or instability in the joint between the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform. This can cause pain and difficulty in walking or wearing shoes. The Lapidus procedure can also correct the bunion in three dimensions, which means that it can fix any angles or rotations that are causing problems.
Please contact us for an appointment to help you decide if Lapidus | Lapiplasty® bunion surgery is right for you.
Other Types of Bunion Surgery
There are other types of bunion surgeries and techniques that are routinely utilized in our practice depending on the severity of the condition, bone quality, overall patient’s health and activity level. Please contact us for an appointment to help you decide the type of procedure that is right for you.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well and have enough room for your toes.
Using bunion pads, toe spacers, or medical tape to protect the bunion and keep the foot in the right position.
Taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the bunion to ease pain and inflammation.
Doing exercises or stretches to improve the flexibility and strength of your toes and foot muscles.
We generally encourage our patients to try some or all of the above conservative treatments prior to considering surgery.
