Bunions, or even more precisely, hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus occurs in numerous shapes or forms. The disorder is one of an enlargement of the big toe joint of the foot (bunion) and an pointing over of the big toe or hallux laterally in the direction of the other toes (abduction and valgus). They become painful because of arthritis like signs from the deviation of the big toe and from strain on the lump of the bunion from the footwear. They’re among the most prevalent reasons for pain in the foot and are caused by a mixture of inherited attributes, poor biomechanics and also shoe fitting problems. While there are non-surgical treatments including pads, splints, better footwear fitting, exercises and pain relief drugs that can be used, they cannot make the bunion disappear nor align the hallux over the longer term. Frequently surgery is the only permanent treatment for bunions or hallux valgus. Even then, unless the specific reason behind the bunion was dealt with at the same time there is a risk that it may occur again.

There are various joints and bones involved in the development of bunions and each bunion is different as differing amounts of each bone and joint are involved. Which means that the operative treatment must be directed at the bone or joint that is involved. If the great toe joint is just involved, then a straightforward chopping off the enlarged bone is all that is needed. If the angle of differing bones are a issue, then a V needs to be removed from the bone and the bone reset. There are numerous different ways of performing that and it is often believed that this problem has more surgical options for it in comparison to all other problems!

The Austin bunionectomy is just one kind of procedure. This procedure involves taking off the lump of bone and taking a wedge out of the head of the 1st metatarsal to reposition it and keep it in place using a screw so that it can heal. A special shoe or boot will have to be used throughout the first couple of weeks after the procedure and return to your typical footwear after around 4 weeks. It generally takes around 8 weeks to return to full activity levels following this surgery.

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