They may also occur as a result of other factors. For example, women find that their foot size increases about one half size the birth of a child. This occurs as a combination of hormones released to help with birth and increased weight associated with pregnancy. Most bunions of a mild degree can be treated with functional orthotics . A bunion that is painful can sometimes be treated without surgery utilizing, functional orthotics, modifications of shoegear, oral anti- inflammatory medication, and physical therapy.
Outpatient surgery is recommended for severe bunions.
The most common bunion surgery reduces the angle between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. Depending on the nature and severity of the bunion, the surgeon will decide whether to perform the procedure in an office setting or a surgicenter. Within hours of the completion of the procedure, you will be home, pain free and ready for recovery. Dr. M.A. Galluzzo a board certified foot surgeon, holds a patent for foot surgical instrumentation including bunion procedures. Many surgeons use permanent screws or wires in bunion procedures which can cause additional complications such as infection, gangrene and further corrective surgery is then necessary for the removal of these wires or screws.