Thanks to today’s guest blogger, Todd Domangue, MBA/HCM

Bunions are considered to be one of the most commonly treated forefoot ailments. There are various myths to the cause of bunions, but most research supports that bunions are actually a byproduct of genetics. Women tend to have this condition more than their male counterparts. That said, there is also evidence that restrictive shoes have been identified as a causative source of this condition, along with possible congenital and nerve conditions.
Some of the initial signs of a bunion are as follows: a bump on the medial aspect of the 1st MTP joint, pain, swelling, redness, and biomechanical abnormalities. Although there are a number of conservative treatments for this diagnosis, surgery is indicated when the patient has severe pain or when the bunion interferes with the patient’s activities of daily living.
There are several hundred surgical procedures utilized to correct this abnormality, but the Austin (Chevron) Procedure along with the Kalish Osteotomy are the most popular corrections for head osteotomies. The Podiatric/Orthopedic Physician will shave off the bony prominence on the medial aspect of the 1st MPJ and then he will proceed with making a cut (osteotomy) for bone correction. The surgeon will then fixate the correction with pin(s) and/or screw(s) fixation. Post-operative ambulation will be determined by the surgeon.

Some of the risks of surgery are prolonged swelling, infection, prolonged post-operative pain, non-union of the bone, and decreased range of motion. Most patients will be instructed on use, care and precautions following surgery and then begin passive range of motion exercises after the two week post-operative office visit. It is at this time that the Dynasplint Toe Device is widely utilized by many Podiatric/Orthopedic Surgeons. The patient is instructed to utilize the Dynasplint Toe Device initially 3 times per day for 10 minutes, progressing to 3 times a day for 1 hour, for a duration of 6-8 weeks. Upon completion of the Dynasplint home therapy, most patients are back in their shoes and back to many of their activities of daily living. Your local Podiatric/Orthopedic physician is a great resource andwill be able to guide you through this process.
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed, contact your surgeon to have a full examination of your feet. Taking good care of your feet now will lead to many joyful steps through the years.