Structural deformities of the feet and ankles are common conditions that can affect people of all ages. Bunions and bone spurs are two of the most frequently encountered deformities in the feet.
Bunions appear as a noticeable bump at the base of the big toe joint, while bone spurs are bony protrusions that develop on the surface of a bone.
These conditions can be caused by various factors such as genetics, age, wearing tight shoes, and arthritis. If left untreated, bunions and bone spurs can lead to significant pain, difficulty walking, and even joint damage.
Fortunately, surgical treatment options are available to correct these conditions and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe joint (a similar bump can develop on the other side of the foot near the little toe, and that’s called a Tailors Bunion). This bump forms when the big toe pushes against the next toe, causing the joint to become misaligned.
Symptoms of a bunion can include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Treatment for a bunion typically begins with non-surgical options, such as wearing wider shoes, orthotics, using padding to reduce pressure, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, if these measures fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary.
Bunion surgery involves removing the bony bump and realigning the joint. There are several types of bunion surgery, including:
· Osteotomy: This involves cutting and realigning the bone to correct the deformity.
· Arthrodesis: This involves fusing the joint to prevent it from moving and causing further damage.
· Exostectomy: This involves removing the bump without realigning the joint.
· Resection arthroplasty: This involves removing the damaged portion of the joint.
The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity of the bunion and the patient's overall health.
Bone Spurs
A bone spur, also known as an osteophyte, is a bony growth that develops on the surface of a bone. Bone spurs can form on any bone in the body, and are often caused by arthritis, which can cause the bones to rub against each other and create friction.
Symptoms of a bone spur can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Treatment for a bone spur typically begins with non-surgical options, such as using ice, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing supportive shoes. However, if these measures fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary.
Bone spur surgery, most commonly a resection or osteotomy, involves removing the bony growth and smoothing out the surface of the bone. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity of the bone spur and the patient's overall health.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a bunion or bone spur, it is important to consult with a Podiatric Surgeon to determine the best course of treatment.
Contact the skilled Surgeons at MJ Taranto Foot and Ankle Podiatric Surgeons
today for a consultation on 9250 1676 or click the link to book online.
FAQs
Procedure for Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction
Mild deformities can be corrected with non-surgical treatments including physical therapy, orthoses (splints or braces or other artificial external devices), special footwear and medications. If the deformity is severe, surgery is recommended.
Can foot deformities be fixed? ›
A common approach for a symptomatic, relatively moderate deformity in CMT is first to osteotomize the calcaneus and first metatarsal to bring about a more plantigrade foot. In a more severe deformity, the shape of the foot is corrected through a hindfoot fusion or triple arthrodesis.
What is the most common foot deformity? ›
Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osem*ne, is an expert in treating these conditions and the discomfort they can cause. Two of the most common foot and ankle deformities are bunions and hammertoes.
Can a deformity be fixed? ›
Spinal deformity correction surgery can be used to help patients with scoliosis, kyphosis, trauma, or other conditions that affect the spine, such as ankylosing spondylitis. Corrective surgery may also be used for conditions in which the hands, fingers, arms, legs, knees or ankles grow at incorrect angles or lengths.
What is a ankle deformity called? ›
Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), formerly known as adult acquired flatfoot (AAF), is a complex condition of the foot and ankle that results in flattening of the arch of the foot as well as other less obvious deformities.
What causes feet to become deformed? ›
What causes foot deformities? Foot deformities or misalignments (wrong positions of bones) can either be present at birth or develop over time. Putting abnormal strain on the foot or wearing tight shoes may play a role.
What risks can foot deformities lead to? ›
Fractures may cause the tarsal bones to collapse, resulting in an outward bowing of the arch ('rocker-bottom foot' deformity), further adding to the abnormal loading and risk of ulceration. The foot can be so warm and red that osteomyelitis, cellulitis or gout is suspected.
What disease causes foot deformity? ›
What Is Charcot Foot? Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape.
What is surgery for deformity correction? ›
The main correction and stabilization procedures are osteotomy, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, vertebral column resection, and spinopelvic fixation. These procedures vary in the amount of bone they remove and in the amount of correction they provide.
Is there a surgery to fix your feet? ›
Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend metatarsal surgery to repair bunions, rheumatoid arthritis, or another issue that is causing deformity in the foot. The procedure involves cutting the metatarsal bone, repositioning it, and fastening it in place using metal pins, plates, or screws.
Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.
How do you know if your feet are deformed? ›
Deformed feet and toes can cause pain and discomfort and may make it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities. Specific symptoms linked to particular conditions are described above. In general, typical symptoms include: obvious abnormalities and deformity, pain, swelling and callusing.
Can a deformed ankle be fixed? ›
External fixation with acute or gradual correction of deformities can be used to safely treat complex ankle deformity. Following ankle trauma, infection, or even a failed ankle replacement, there is often significant bone loss around the ankle.
Why does my ankle look deformed? ›
An ankle dislocation is a severe injury in which there is an abnormal separation between one or more of the bones of your ankle joint. With your injury, you might have severe pain right away, swelling, and a deformed look to the ankle.
Why is my ankle deformed? ›
Foot and ankle deformities are often a result of traumatic injuries, congenital abnormalities (something you are born with), or diseases that affect nerves, muscles, and bones, such as diabetes, muscular dystrophies, tumors, and infections.
How do you know if your ankle needs surgery? ›
If you've been dealing with your injured ankle for a while now and still have foot or ankle pain and or swelling, you may need ankle surgery to prevent further bone, tendon, or ligament damage.
