If you’re struggling with the discomfort and inconvenience of bunions, finding the right bunion treatment and care is crucial. At Meleca Foot and Ankle, located in St. Augustine and St. Johns, our best podiatrist for bunion surgery offers comprehensive options. Designed to alleviate pain and restore your quality of life.
What are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe joint. It develops when the big toe joint misaligns, causing the bone to push outward and the big toe to angle towards the smaller toes.
Symptoms of Bunions
Bunions, known as hallux valgus, are more than just a bump on the foot; they reflect changes in the bony framework. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty bending or moving the big toe
- Pain and soreness, especially when wearing shoes.
- Redness, swelling, and a burning sensation.
- Corns or calluses on the big toe or surrounding area
What are the possible causes of Bunions?
Bunions are often caused by:
- Heredity: Genetics play a significant role in bunion development. If you have a family history of bunions, you’re more likely to have poor foot mechanics.
- Ill-fitting footwear: Wearing too tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can put undue pressure on the big toe joint, contributing to bunion formation.
- Foot biomechanics: Certain foot types, such as flat feet or those with a splayed forefoot, are more prone to developing bunions.
- Medical conditions: This includes arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis that change foot structure.
How do we treat Bunions?
Understanding that each case is unique, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the individual needs of our patients. Bunions Treatment at Meleca Foot and Ankle focuses on relief and prevention:
- Wider, comfortable shoes to reduce pressure.
- Custom orthotics to correct foot mechanics.
- In severe cases, we will recommend a minimally invasive bunionectomy to realign the toe.
We understand that knowing what to expect from your bunion correction surgery is important to you. As you are reading through this material, please reach out to us to discuss if you have additional questions.
What is bunionectomy recovery like?
Recovery from a traditional open bunion surgery can be more painful and time intensive. But there is nothing traditional about PROstep MIS. Dr. Meleca uses this minimally invasive technique that’s resetting the standard of care, you can avoid traditional open bunion surgery altogether.
PROstep minimally invasive surgery involves performing surgery through tiny incisions, usually under some form of image guidance. The incisions are just a few millimeters long compared to 3-5 inch incisions used in traditional open bunion surgery.
This type of surgery has been enabled by advances in technology which have allowed the development of very small drills (called burrs). These can be used to make delicate cuts in the bones of the foot to re-align them through very small incisions. The surgery is carried out under image guidance in surgery and allows your surgeon to have eyes inside the foot when performing surgery.
Benefits of PROstep® Minimally Invasive Surgery
Patients who experience PROstep minimally invasive surgery on average can recover faster compared to a traditional open procedure. Typically you will walk out of surgery in a post-op shoe without the use of assistive devices such as a knee scooter or crutches.
Bunions can really slow you down and having a traditional open surgery can require a longer and more painful recovery, which means putting life on pause. PROstep gets you back on your feet faster including a quicker return to function, such as driving, working, exercising or whatever else.
This surgery requires much smaller incisions compared to an open procedure1, meaning you won’t have a large scar as a result. Effective relief from bunion pain is the most important benefit but preserving the natural look of your foot is also part of the PROstep minimally invasive standard- a difference you can feel as much as you can see.
When compared to traditional open bunion surgery, PROstep results in:
- Quicker return to function
- Less pain
- Smaller scars
- Overall increased patient satisfaction
- Less need for opioids post-op
What is bunionectomy recovery like?
Recovery varies based on bunion treatment:
- For non-surgical methods, gradual improvement with lifestyle changes.
- Post-surgery, a specific rehabilitation plan is provided for optimal healing.
Dr. Meleca's PROstep Minimally Invasive Surgery Explained
Is bunion surgery right for you? Before you come in for a visit, it’s always important you know everything about your road to recovery. These short videos will give you great, detailed information.
Board-Certified Podiatrist
Our certified bunion surgery doctors have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating bunions using the latest advancements in podiatric care.
Patient-Centered Approach
We are dedicated to providing compassionate and attentive care throughout your treatment journey. Our friendly staff will answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Whenever possible, we utilize minimally invasive procedures for Bunion treatment to minimize recovery time and discomfort.
Comprehensive Care
We offer a personalized approach to bunion treatment, taking into account individual needs and medical history of our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bunions serious?
While bunions themselves are not life-threatening, they can lead to significant discomfort and pain. If left untreated, they can cause complications like bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life.
What are the treatment options available at Meleca Foot and Ankle?
At Meleca Foot and Ankle, our best podiatrist for bunion surgery offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
- Non-surgical methods include orthotic devices, pain management, and specialized footwear.
- Surgical options may involve procedures like osteotomy, exostectomy, or arthrodesis, depending on the severity of the bunion.
What can I expect during bunion surgery?
Bunion surgery generally involves correcting the misaligned bones in your big toe. Techniques vary, but most procedures aim to relieve pain and realign the toe to its natural position. Surgery typically takes about an hour, and you can go home the same day.
Can bunions come back after treatment?
Yes, there is a chance that bunions can recur, especially if you do not follow post-treatment advice like wearing proper footwear or using orthotic devices. Adhering to your bunion surgery doctor‘s recommendations is essential for minimizing the risk of recurrence.
How can I prevent bunions?
Preventative measures include –
- wear comfortable
- well-fitted shoes
- avoid high heels,
- use custom orthotic devices if recommended by your podiatrist.
Regular foot examinations can also help catch bunions early before they require surgical intervention.
The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should be noted that individual patient experiences may vary from the descriptions presented here. For personalized advice and decision-making regarding your health, we strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
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