Bunion Surgery in Eugene

Progressive bone deformities in the feet are known as bunions. Bunions not only alter the appearance of your foot, but they can also cause severe pain. In some cases, pain from bunions may be managed with conservative therapies. However, if a bunion is causing chronic pain, inflammation, and irritation, then bunion surgery will be required. 

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions form when bones at the front of the foot move out of place. This causes the big toe to be pulled towards the smaller toes, and the joint at the base of the big toe begins to protrude. Smaller bunions may also develop on your little toe which is called a Tailor’s Bunion. 

Bunions may result from wearing extremely tight shoes, but research shows this is the least common cause. You may also inherit a type of foot prone to developing bunions.

Congenital deformities are also a cause of bunions, along with previous foot injuries or repeated stress on the foot. Those with rheumatoid arthritis are also at increased risk of developing a bunion.

Pain from a bunion may be managed non-surgically. Switching to larger, roomy shoes can help. Bunion pads and “correct toes” (link here) can also mitigate irritation. Shoe inserts, over-the-counter pain medications, and icing the bunion may provide temporary relief. However, if these conservative treatments do not provide relief, you will need surgery. 

What to Know

There are two categories of bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy. A head procedure will involve cutting the bone behind the joint. It will then be shifted into a more aligned position and secured with a surgical screw or pin. 

The second type of bunionectomy is known as a base procedure. There are several base procedures, but they all concentrate on the bone behind or near the joint of the big toe. We utilize primarily a 3d realignment of the joint which typically results in a single small incision on top of the midfoot.  It realigns the big toe joint and yet doesn’t typically need an incision here. This is the most cutting edge type of correction and carries with it the lowest recurrence rate. With other procedures a wedge may be removed from the bone, or a circular cut and rotation may be used to correct the position. Ligaments may be treated and adjusted during base procedures as well.

    See the Difference

    Many patients come to us to not just improve their conditions, but also to improve their quality of life. The image on the right was taken about two years before the procedure. The other was taken two years post-op. She had pain in her bunion on both the left and right sides of her foot. Eugene Foot & Ankle corrected both sides, and the patient had a full recovery with no complications.

    bunion

    Learn More About Bunion Surgery in Eugene

    Dr. Michael “Dusty” McCourt, founder of Eugene Foot and Ankle Health Center, is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and an associate of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He provides bunion surgery along with complete foot and ankle care in Eugene. To schedule a consultation, call 541-683-3351 or request an appointment online.

    Contact Us

    Eugene

    P: (541) 683-3351

    F: (541) 683-6440

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    Monday............ 8:00am - 5:00pm
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