15 April 2011

Advancements in Bunion Surgery Allow for Improved Outcomes

Onions are joint protuberances of the foot, that generally grow at the base of the great toe, or the base of the fifth toe (onion tailor). These pressure points are usually caused by bone malalignments, resulting in abnormal joint positioning. The great toe usually bends towards the second toe (hallux valgu), and the fifth toe malalignment of the joints, can bend towards the fourth toe. The painful pressure points can be created when the joints extended contact shoe or toes communicate with one another. Nerves can be pinched in these instances, causing severe pain of walking, or sometimes numbness. In addition, with joint misalignment, the joint itself may become inflamed and could lead to early arthritis, particularly in the great toe joint.Onions often run in families, as a type of inherited foot which can predispose to joint malalignment of a faulty Biomechanics structure or on foot. However, onions can develop due to several factors, including trauma, arthritis, and neuromuscular disorders. Choice of poor footwear have also been linked at the beginning of the formation of onion and can certainly result symptoms increased, once formed an onion. Onions may develop at any age, and early treatment is recommended to treat the symptoms and help slow progression of the onion.Left untreated, onion pain generally worsens over time and may result in permanent arthritic changes. In addition, other painful conditions may develop secondary to an onion, due to structural changes in the foot and changed the approach. Hammertoes, corns, calluses, and ball of foot pain often occur after the formation of the onion. The pain of the onion and the associated secondary conditions can push people to reduce their level of activity, many times resulting in weight gain and decreased overall health. Therefore, the rapid treatment of the pain of the onion is essential.Conservative treatments for onions can often alleviate symptoms and allow normal activities. These non-surgical treatments include the choice of appropriate footwear, oral or injectable drugs anti-inflammatory, icing, and rest periods. Anti-inflammatory topical and unloading padding can also be used. Splint onion can straighten the big toe that is to be worn, but does not correct the onion permanently. Orthotics are shoe customized insertions used to improve the Biomechanics of the foot and can reduce the pain of the onion and slow the progression of the deformation.Surgical procedures are usually reserved for painful onions, which limit normal activities and do not respond to conservative treatments. However, surgery is also indicated in other cases, including the onions with the potential of injury or arthritis and progresses of rapid deformities. Surgery is generally to reduce the pain of the onion and normal restoration of bone and joint alignment to minimize the risk of recurrence of the onion.Enabled the progress of surgery of the onion for predictable results, less pain post-op and a rapid return to normal operations. Surgical instrumentation improved, imaging and fixation equipment arrangements allow surgeon foot specifically correct the deformity, reduce the risk of complications post-op. Most surgeries of onion to walk limited on the day of surgery in a protective surgical shoe. Patients are generally returned to normal shoes in 4-6 weeks, with a gradual return to activities in full. Most patients experience excellent results of non-return of the deformation of the onion.