Did you know that 1 out of 3 people over the age of 65 have a bunion? Although bunions are common in older adults, people of all ages can develop a bunion. When seeking treatment, minimally invasive bunion surgery may be an option.
A bunion is an enlargement of the bone and soft tissue surrounding the joint at the base of the big toe. Often, the big toe turns outward toward the second toe and a bump forms on the inside of the foot. Bunions start off small but worsen over time and can cause significant foot pain and even foot deformity if left untreated.
Conservative treatments can help slow the progression of a bunion, but there is no way to reverse a bunion without surgery. Patients with a flexible bunion without evidence of an unstable joint may be candidates for a minimally invasive procedure.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour to an hour and a half. It uses several small “keyhole” incisions and specialized instruments to correct the bunion and realign the bones. Using a minimally invasive approach achieves a faster recovery with less scarring and swelling and allows for better range of motion post surgery.
Bunions are common, especially among older adults. Although conservative treatments can help slow the growth of a bunion, surgery may be needed if conservative treatments have failed. The goal of minimally invasive bunion surgery is to realign the joint, correct any deformity, and relieve pain for the patient.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a painful bunion, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean to find out if minimally invasive bunion surgery is right for you.
Dr. Daniel Dean is a fellowship trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. He treats all musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and ankle in adolescent and adult patients. He has specialized training in total ankle arthroplasty, sports injuries, flatfoot, complex fractures, and minimally invasive techniques in bunion correction.
Tags:
- Bunion
- Foot Pain
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Daniel M. Dean, MD
