A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue surrounding the joint of the big toe and can cause significant pain, increased swelling, tenderness, and trouble walking. A bunion happens when the bones at the base of your foot move out of alignment and causes the big toe to be pulled inwards towards the other toes and causing a large bony bump to stick out from the base of the big toe. Although bunions don’t require surgery immediately, you should see your podiatrist if the pain does not dissipate, a visible bump develops on the big toe joint, or have limited or no movement of your big toe or foot.
At Kentucky Foot Doctor serving Louisville, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, KY, and New Albany, IN, Dr. Syed Khader is a highly-trained specialist that can treat your bunion and recommend the best course of treatment.
What is Bunion Surgery?
Otherwise known as a bunionectomy, bunion surgery is done to correct bunions. There are three main types of bunion surgery with each outlined briefly below:
- Exostectomy: In this procedure, a surgeon shaves off the bunion and then repositions the toe. However, this surgery is rarely done and only used with minor bunions.
- Osteotomy: During an osteotomy, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the bones and then uses screws or pins to adjust the big toe to its original position.
- Arthrodesis: When a bunion is caused by arthritis, a surgeon may perform an arthrodesis joint fusion where any portion of the toe with arthritis is removed and then screws are inserted to hold the bones together while they recover.
- At Kentucky Foot Doctor our conveniently located offices in Louisville, Elizabethtown, Bardstown, Bowling Green, KY and New Albany, IN offer a plethora of options for your scheduling needs. Once you’ve made an appointment one of our highly trained physicians will examine your bunion and offer guidance on a treatment plan.
Bunion Surgery Recovery Process
Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure which means that you’ll return home the same day as the surgery. While recovering at home, your provider will likely instruct you to:
- Keep weight off the toe
- Elevate foot to reduce swelling
- Keep the wound dry
Call Kentucky Food Doctor at 502-805-3338 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Khader.