What is a Bunion?

Описание: Bunions are exceptionally common, affecting around 1 in 4 adults. A bunion can cause foot pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. They also get progressively worse as you age. People often live with a bunion for years, but when should you consider bunion surgery? In this video, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Kumar Kunasingam explains what bunions are, the symptoms to look out for, the treatment options available, and what you can expect from bunion surgery and recovery.

LINKS

Book an appointment: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/f...

Learn more about bunion treatment: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/t...

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction
00:26 – What is a bunion?
01:58 – Symptoms of bunions
02:13 – How to treat bunions
02:42 – What is bunion surgery?
03:28 – Bunion osteotomy
04:14 – Recovery after bunion surgery
04:43 – When can you weight bear?
05:47 – When can you start physiotherapy?
07:20 – Outro

What is a bunion?

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a bony prominence that develops at the base of your big toe. It forms when your big toe begins to angle inwards towards your second toe, gradually shifting your bones out of alignment. Bunions are extremely common and can develop slowly over time, often becoming more noticeable as the deformity progresses.

Symptoms of bunions

Typical symptoms include pain around your big toe joint, swelling, inflammation, redness, difficulty finding comfortable footwear, and discomfort during walking or exercise. Some people may also experience stiffness in the joint or changes in the way their foot bears weight.

How to treat bunions

Bunion treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Many patients benefit from conservative measures such as wider footwear, orthotics, bunion pads, and anti-inflammatory medication. These approaches won’t correct the bunion itself, but they can relieve pressure and reduce discomfort.

Bunion surgery

For patients whose symptoms persist or whose bunion continues to worsen, bunion surgery may be recommended. Modern bunion surgery aims to realign your bones, correct the deformity, and restore comfortable function. The exact surgical procedure varies depending on the shape of your foot and the extent of the deformity, but most operations involve reshaping and repositioning the bone and soft tissues to create a straighter, more stable joint.

Recovery after bunion surgery

Recovery typically involves wearing a specialised postoperative shoe, gradually returning to normal walking, and avoiding high-impact activity until healing is complete. Many patients experience significant long-term improvement in mobility and pain relief after bunion surgery.

If you're concerned about foot pain, difficulty walking, or a visible deformity at the base of your big toe, a consultation with a specialist can help you understand your options.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this video, please seek professional medical advice.

Have a question about bunions or suggestions for future foot and ankle topics? Leave a comment below and we’ll create more videos to help.

To book an appointment with Mr Kunasingham: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/c...

More about bunions: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/h...

#bunions #footsurgery #footpain