What's a bunion?

Basically a bunion is a bump.  Usually it is at the base of the big toe.  (But there is a tailors bunion at the side of the base
of the little toe.)  The bump is made of bone.  There are basically three types of bunions.............
The simple bunion
This is an enlargement of the head of the first metatarsal.  Sometimes referred to as a calcium deposit.  This type can usually be 'fixed' in the office with minimal incision surgery MIS.  MIS is sometimes called "microsurgery" because it is done through very small incisions.  There is no pain during surgery, because the foot is put to sleep with local anesthetic similar to the dentist's novacain.  Then the bump is simply smoothed off.  A couple of stitches are applied and you walk home with a cute post-op shoe.  Healing is usually quick and relatively pain free due to the little trauma involved in this type of surgery.  You might get back into shoes in two - three weeks.  
 

The mild to moderate bunion

This involves more than just a bump of bone.  When a simple bunion is neglected it usually worsens to this stage.  The bone structure changes.  The big toe begins to drift toward the little toe side of the foot. Like the leaning tower of pisa.  The first metatarsal begins to spread away from the rest of the foot making the bump look much bigger.  Sometime MIS can still be used in the office to 'fix' these deformities.  Surgery is a little more involved because bones must be cut and realigned in a straighter position.  A cast or metal pin may be used to hold the foot straight while it heals.  Plan on four to six weeks before getting into your shoes.