Orthopaedic Clinic: Foot and Ankle
HALLUX VALGUS
Hallux valgus, often referred to as ‘a bunion’, is a deformity of the big toe. The toe tilts over towards the smaller toes and a bony lump appears on the inside of the foot, (a lump on the top of the big toe joint is usually due to a different condition known as hallux rigidus).
The most common cause of bunions is the prolonged wearing of poorly fitting shoes which squeeze the toes into an unnatural position. They may also be caused by arthritis or polio. Heredity plays a part in bunion formation but accounts for a very small percentage.
Many people with bunions find relief by wearing wide, well fitting shoes, allowing time to adapt to the shape of the feet, but this will not correct the deformity of the big toe. Your orthopaedic surgeon will give you advice regarding this.
If simple measures fail an operation may improve the situation by correcting the deformity of the big toe and by narrowing the foot back towards what it should be.
There are different types of surgery available and your orthopaedic surgeon will choose the procedure best suited to your condition.
PROCEDURES:
Arthrodesis
Removal of the damaged joint surfaces followed by the insertion of screws, wires or plates to hold the surfaces together until it heals.
Resection Arthrosplasty
Removal of the damaged portion of the joint, used mainly for patients who are older, have had previous bunion surgery or have sever arthritis.
Osteotomy
The surgical cutting and realignment of the joint.
Although an operation cannot make your foot narrow enough to wear tight shoes nor fully restore the strength in the big toe, research shows that 85% of people who have surgery are satisfied with the results.
