A bunion is a prominence or bump on the inside of the base of the big toe. Contrary to public believe it is not a bony outgrowth but rather a result of widening of the angle between the bones (metatarsals)in the foot of the first and second toes, thereby causing a broad forefoot.
Bunions are more common in women and persons wearing high healed and narrow shoes. Because the forefoot becomes broader, the shoes cause pressure on the inside prominence of the foot with pain and deviation of the big toe to lateral (to side of 2nd toe).
Treatment can be symptomatic with wearing of wider shoes. This will not change the deformity. Most patient may come to a point where the symptoms lead them to surgery.
During surgery the angle between the first and second metatarsals is decreased by doing an osteotomy through first metatarsal and shifting of the bone. The osteotomy is then fixed with screws or plate. Patients are discharged on day 1 and healing occurs in 6-8 weeks.
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