Your Idaho Falls & Rexburg Foot & Ankle Specialists

Bunions

Our Foot and Ankle Services

Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.

Idaho Foot & Ankle Center offers Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction Surgery

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. Idaho Foot and Ankle Center offers a procedure called Lapiplasty®. This procedure is different from traditional bunion surgeries, because it is designed to permanently secure the root cause of the bunion.

The Lapiplasty® Procedure naturally restores your natural anatomy. There’s no need to cut and shift the normal metatarsal bone as with traditional bunion surgeries. The entire metatarsal bone is simply rotated and shifted back into position, eliminating the unsightly bump. And, the unstable foundation is permanently secured with patented, titanium technology allowing you to get back on your feet quickly.

Causes of Bunions

Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronated feet can contribute to their formation. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries.

Symptoms of Bunions

The following are symptoms that most people experience with Bunions:

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Discomfort and Pain

Discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes.

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Red & Tender

The skin over the toe becomes red and tender.

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Hurts to Walk

Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk.

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Chronic Pain

Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.

Treatments for Bunions

Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:
- Protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
- Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
- Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.

Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable

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Idaho Foot & Ankle Center

IDAHO FALLS OFFICE

1540 Elk Creek Dr. Idaho Falls, ID 83404

P: (208) 529-8393

F: 208.529.8398

Hours:

MON 8AM-5PM | TUES 7AM-3PM

WED-THURS 8AM-5PM | FRI 8AM-12PM

REXBURG OFFICE

72 E Main Street

Rexburg, ID 83440

P: (208) 356-9466