Bunions

You have come to the right place!  Don't let bunion pain slow you down.  Dr. Rockwood has created this page to help you get the answers you need to make the best decisions for your foot and ankle health.

Nestled at the base of the stunning Wasatch Mountains in Utah Valley, we’re surrounded by endless opportunities for adventure and movement.   At BlueRock Foot & Ankle we have expert insights and personalized care, we’re here to help you find answers and get back to the active lifestyle you deserve.  

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we are fortunate to be located in a region filled with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our goal is to keep you moving and enjoying all that this beautiful area has to offer. If you have questions about your bunions, we have answers to help you stay active and pain-free. 

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing the tip of your big toe to be pulled toward the smaller toes and forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. This results in pain, swelling, and discomfort. Bunions develop gradually and, if left untreated, can lead to significant foot pain and limit your ability to stay active.

• What causes bunions?   Bunions are primarily caused by inherited foot structure, meaning they often run in families. They can also develop from wearing tight, narrow shoes that squeeze the toes, or due to medical conditions like arthritis.

• How can I tell if I have a bunion?   Common symptoms include a visible bump on the base of the big toe, swelling, redness, soreness around the joint, and restricted movement of the big toe. X-rays can provide a clear diagnosis and show the extent of the deformity.

• Are bunions hereditary?   Yes, bunions can be hereditary. They are often associated with inherited foot types and can be passed down through families.

• Can bunions go away on their own?   No, bunions do not go away on their own. Without treatment, they tend to worsen over time. Early intervention with conservative treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression.

• What are the non-surgical treatment options for bunions?   Non-surgical options include wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, taking pain relief medications, and using orthotic devices to improve foot alignment. Physical therapy exercises can also help strengthen the surrounding muscles and reduce pain.

Bunions can significantly impact your mobility and overall quality of life. Pain and discomfort may make it challenging to walk, exercise, and participate in the activities you love. Ignoring bunion pain could lead to further damage to the joint, potentially progressing into more severe conditions like hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, where toe motion becomes limited and painful. This progression could eventually require surgery, such as fusion.

Early intervention can help manage the pain, preserve joint health, and prevent long-term complications, keeping you active and on your feet.

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, our priority is keeping you in motion and enjoying the vibrant lifestyle Utah Valley offers. For many patients, bunion pain can be managed successfully without surgery. Our goal is to provide effective, personalized solutions to help you feel better and maintain your active lifestyle.

Understanding Your Pain and Activity Levels

Determining how much your bunion is affecting your activity and pain levels is an important step in creating a tailored treatment plan. We’ll work with you to find the best approach to alleviate your symptoms and address the root causes.

Treatment Options to Stay in Motion

• Proper Footwear: Wearing comfortable, wide-toe box shoes can reduce pressure on the bunion. During your visit, I provide a curated list of recommended shoe styles and brands to ensure both support and style.

• Orthotics: Custom-made orthotic devices can improve foot alignment and redistribute pressure, helping to alleviate discomfort and prevent further deformity.

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Aids: I offer a trusted OTC list for bunion pads, spacers, and other helpful aids to cushion and protect the bunion area.

• Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your foot, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage occasional flare-ups or discomfort.

Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. Ignoring bunion pain can lead to further joint damage and complications. Early treatment not only helps you feel better now but also protects your joint health in the future, reducing the need for surgery. 

Traditional Approach

The traditional approach to bunion surgery begins with assessing the angles on X-rays to determine the extent of the deformity. This helps us create a surgical plan focused on correcting bone alignment and relieving pain. Key aspects include:

• Assessment of the deformity: Using X-rays to measure the angles between bones.

• Surgical procedures: Techniques like osteotomy (cutting and realigning bones), arthrodesis (fusion of joints), and exostectomy (removal of the bump).

• Post-surgery care: Includes wearing a protective boot, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Modern Approach

The modern approach focuses on joint stability and foot mechanics. A standout procedure in this category is the Lapidus surgery, pioneered by Dr. Sig Hansen, MD. This method emphasizes stabilizing the medial column and identifying feet with hypermobility in the midfoot joints, addressing the root cause of bunions:

• Focus on stability: Aimed at enhancing joint stability and overall foot mechanics.

• Lapidus procedure: Involves fusing the first metatarsal bone to the cuneiform bone, stabilizing the medial column to prevent future deformity.

• Innovative techniques: Dr. Hansen’s insights have significantly improved outcomes by addressing hypermobile feet.

• Recovery: Typically involves a period of non-weight-bearing, followed by a gradual return to full activity.

Advancements in bunion surgery have led to minimally invasive techniques like percutaneous osteotomies. These methods offer smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less postoperative pain while achieving excellent results:

• Benefits: Smaller incisions, quicker recovery, and less pain.

• Percutaneous osteotomies: A technique involving precise cuts to the bones using specialized instruments to realign the foot.

• Expected outcomes: High success rates with minimal complications and a quicker return to normal activities.

 Dr. Jason Rockwood brings extensive expertise, training, and experience to BlueRock Foot & Ankle. Whether using non-surgical treatments, traditional approaches, or modern techniques like the Lapidus procedure, we’re committed to providing you with the best possible care. Let us help you get back to living the active, pain-free lifestyle you deserve.