Bunions are nagging and unsightly problems with your feet that progress unless you take early action. At Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, the team of foot specialists, headed up by Joseph R. Disabato, DPM, offers expert treatment of problematic bunions, including the innovative Lapiplasty® procedure. If you’re in Charlottesville or Culpeper, Virginia, call or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment at one of the two locations.
Bunions Q & A
What are bunions?
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, occurs when your big toe begins to migrate toward your second toe, causing a bump at the base of your toe on the inside of your foot. Bunions are progressive, and your big toe can travel either over or under your second toe in extreme cases.
Bunions aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they can be the source of great discomfort. If the bony protrusion is inflamed, for example, your ability to wear even the roomiest of shoes is jeopardized as the slightest pressure can lead to pain. Bunions can also lead to hammertoes, calluses, and corns.
For many, bunions can be an aesthetic concern as the deformity becomes more pronounced.
What causes bunions?
In most cases, bunions are a result of an inherited structural problem in your foot. In other words, if you have a family history of bunions, the odds are that you might, too. That said, there are factors that can contribute to the development of bunions, such as:
- Tight, pointy shoes
- Arthritis
- Injury
As mentioned above, bunions are progressive and often start out benignly enough with a small shift of your big toe, but it can quickly blossom into a more serious structural problem.
What are the treatments for bunions?
The doctors at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates have a number of treatment options when it comes to bunions, including:
- A change in footwear (roomier toe boxes)
- Orthotics
- Padding or splinting
If your bunions continue to progress unabated, your doctor may recommend surgical correction. The surgeons at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates offer a procedure called a Lapiplasty, which is an innovative technique that approaches your bunion from three angles in order to correct the condition and, perhaps more importantly, prevent it from redeveloping.
With a positioning instrument, your doctor can quickly reposition your toe along three planes before they even start reshaping and cutting your bone. This allows for greater precision during the surgery and better stability of the results afterward.