A bunion is a bony prominence on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. It forms when the big toe drifts towards the smaller toes and the bone behind it (the first metatarsal) angles outwards. The medical name for this condition is hallux valgus.
Bunions often run in families, and the inherited shape of the foot plays a large part. Narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes don’t usually cause bunions on their own, but they can make them worse and more painful.
Wider, softer shoes with a roomy toe box, protective padding and insoles can reduce pain. These measures don’t correct the deformity, but many people need nothing more.
Surgery is considered when pain persists despite changes to footwear, or the deformity keeps worsening. It isn’t recommended for cosmetic reasons alone. The operation realigns the bones by cutting and repositioning them (an osteotomy), and fixes them with screws.
In minimally invasive bunion correction, this is done through several very small incisions, using specialised instruments and X-ray guidance. It isn’t suitable for every bunion, and your surgeon will advise which approach suits your foot.
Risks include infection, stiffness of the big toe, the bone not healing, the bunion returning, nerve irritation and blood clots.
Dr P. Reddy.