What is a Hallux Valgus? What is a Bunion?
A Hallux Valgus and a Bunion are actually the same thing! Hallux Valgus is just the scientific medical terminology used by doctors, while the word bunion is the word commonly used by most patients. A bunion is typically a large, protruding bump on the outer side of the big toe. Bunions can cause swelling, soreness and inflammation – although not all bunions are painful, they are often unsightly and can make it difficult to wear the shoes we love.
Bunions occur when the big toe angles in towards the smaller toes, resulting in overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe or toes. A bony prominence called a bunion, develops on the outer side of the big toe when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned. Often this angling of the big toe occurs as a result of footwear but it can also be the result of a congenital condition.
Over time, a bulging bunion can put pressure on the joint and wear down cartilage, making it increasingly difficult to walk or run without bunion or foot pain.
Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Surgery (MICA)
An orthopaedic cosmetic procedure that can treat bunions now offered at Surgical Solutions Network. Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin (MICA) is another option available for correction of mild to moderate big toe deformity and is ideal for bunions.
MICA can help to relieve bunion pain and make it possible for most patients to be active and enjoy life again including the comfort of being able to wear their favourite shoes again. Typically after treatment, the foot looks better, and cosmetically the scarring is minimal. When compared to traditional bunion surgery, MICA offers quicker recovery with minimal scarring.
Patients who have undergone this minimally invasive surgery are usually able to walk within two days after the procedure. In contrast, those who have had traditional bunion surgery must wait for the fusion to occur and are required to be non-weight bearing on the affected foot for 4-6 weeks. MICA patients typically report less pain and swelling, and many have been able to get back on track with their lives much sooner than expected. In one study, 87% of patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. The key is to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.
Are You Ready for MICA Surgery?
If you struggle from:
- Foot pain that significantly limits activities of daily life and experience difficulty walking more than a few blocks without significant pain
- Chronic inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest and medications
- Toe deformity or drifting of the big toe toward the smaller ones, creating the potential for toes to cross over each other (“the crossover toe”)
- Stiffness with the inability to bend and straighten the big toe
- Failure to obtain pain relief with changes in footwear
During your consultation, our surgeon will review your bilateral standing x-rays with you and advise on the best treatment option for your type of bunion deformity. We will answer your questions and address any concerns during your consultation. There is no need for a referral from a family doctor as this is a private cosmetic orthopaedic procedure.
MICA is an innovative, technologically advanced cosmetic orthopaedic procedure and offers patients a choice from traditional bunion surgery.
Imagine getting back to the favourite activities in as short as two days after surgery. contact us to book your consultation today!