'Bunions' - Hallux Abducto Valgus
Hallux Abducto Valgus - [HAV]
What causes a 'Bunion'?
A ‘bunion’ (Hallux Valgus) is a deformity characterized by lateral deviation of the great toe, often erroneously described as an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the head of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). As the great toe (hallux) turns in toward the second toe (angulation) the tissues surrounding the joint could become swollen and tender.
The term is used to refer to the pathological bump on the side of the great toe joint. The bump is partly due to the swollen bursal sac and/or an osseous (bony) anomaly on the mesophalangeal joint (where the first metatarsal bone and hallux meet). The larger part of the bump is a normal part of the head of the first metatarsal bone that has tilted sideways to stick out at its top.
The term “Hallux valgus” or “Hallux abducto-valgus” are the most commonly used medical terms associated with a bunion anomaly, where “hallux” refers to the great toe, “valgus” refers to the abnormal angulation of the great toe commonly associated with bunion anomalies, and “abductus/-o” refers to the abnormal drifting or inward leaning of the great toe towards the second toe, which is also commonly associated with bunions. It is important to state that “hallux abducto” refers to the motion the great toe moves away from the body’s midline. Deformities of the lower extremity are usually named in accordance to the body’s midline, or the line bisecting the body longitudinally into two halves. In more severe cases, the hallux continuing in the abductus fashion eventually either overlaps or underlaps subsequent lesser (small) toes especially the second (adjacent toe).
Bunions are mostly of mechanical origin, where the supportive structures of the first metatarsal are positioned differently. This bio-mechanical anomaly can be caused by a variety of conditions intrinsic to the structure of the foot – such as flat feet, excessive flexibility of ligaments, abnormal bone structure, and certain neurological conditions. Although some are convinced that poor-fitting footwear is the main cause of bunion formation, many concede that footwear only exacerbates the problem caused by the original mechanical foot structure.
Bunions are commonly associated with a deviated position of the big toe toward the second toe, and the deviation in the angle between the first and second metatarsal bones of the foot. The small sesamoid bones found beneath the first metatarsal (which help the flexor tendon bend the big toe downwards) could also become deviated over time as the first metatarsal bone drifts away from its normal position. Arthritis of the big toe joint, diminished and/or altered range of motion, and discomfort with pressure applied to the bump or with motion of the joint, could all accompany bunion development.
Bunions can be treated conservatively with changes in footwear, different orthotics (accommodative padding and shielding), rest, ice, and medications. These sorts of treatments address symptoms more than they correct the actual deformity. Surgery, by an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatric surgeon, might be necessary if discomfort is severe enough or when correction of the deformity is desired.
Orthotics (for Hallux valgus).
Orthotics are splints or regulators while conservative measures include various footwear like gelled toe spacers, bunion / toes separators, bunion regulators, bunion splints, and bunion cushions. There is a variety of available orthotics (or orthoses) including over-the-counter or off-the-shelf commercial products and as necessary, custom-molded orthotics that are generally prescribed medical devices.
Surgery (for Hallux valgus).
A podiatric surgeon performing surgery to remove the bony enlargement and restore normal alignment of the toe joint.
Procedures are designed and chosen to correct a variety of pathologies that may be associated with the bunion. For instance, procedures may address some combination of:
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removing the abnormal bony enlargement of the first metatarsal,
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realigning the first metatarsal bone relative to the adjacent metatarsal bone,
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straightening the great toe relative to the first metatarsal and adjacent toes,
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realigning the cartilagenous surfaces of the great toe joint,
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addressing arthritic changes associated with the great toe joint,
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repositioning the sesamoid bones beneath the first metatarsal bone,
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shortening, lengthening, raising, or lowering the first metatarsal bone, and
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correcting any abnormal bowing or misalignment within the great toe.
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At present there are many different bunion surgeries for different effects. The age, health, lifestyle, and activity level of the patient will also play a role in the choice of procedure.
Bunion surgery can be performed under local, spinal, or general anesthetic. The trend has moved strongly toward using the less invasive local anesthesia over the years. A patient can expect a 6- to 8-week recovery period during which crutches are usually required for aid in mobility. An orthopedic cast is much less common today as newer, more stable procedures and better forms of fixation (stabilizing the bone with screws and other hardware) are used. Hardware might even include absorbable pins that perform their function and are then broken down by the body over the course of months.