Unfortunately, the toes on our feet are an area that is very prone to health and skin issues, especially when it comes to big toes. That’s why there are many home remedies and big toe surgery options, such as minimally invasive bunion surgery. So here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What Are Some Common Big Toe Problems That Require Surgery
Besides the obvious big toe fractures and occasional foot corns that can be easily treated and removed, big toes are a magnet for various health and skin issues. Out of all the areas on our feet, big toes are certainly the most problematic, as they can be the center of many problems.
Hallux Valgus (Bunion) And Hallux Varus
Hallux Valgus, also known as bunions among people, is one of the most common foot deformities that affects millions of people. It’s a misalignment of the first metatarsal of the foot and it results in a bump on the inner side of your foot, at the big toe’s base. Hallux Valgus is a condition that makes your big toe face to the right (or left if it’s on your left foot), towards the rest of your toes.
On the other hand, Hallux Varus is a deformity that makes your big toe face in the opposite direction from the other toes.
Hammer, Claw, and Mallet Toe
Other extremely common cases of foot deformities are hammer, claw, and mallet toes. They represent toe deformities caused by an abnormal bend in the toe joints. They can occur in any toe, but they are most common in big toes. A hammer toe is caused by a bend in the middle toe joint, while in the case of the claw toe, the first joint points upwards, while the others point downwards. The mallet toe is when the joint at the end of the toe, closest to the nail, points downwards.
What Are Big Toe Surgery Options?
Even though there are many issues that can occur on your big toes, there is no need to worry, as there are many different solutions available, depending on what kind of problem you are dealing with. For starters, no doctor will suggest any kind of foot surgery as a first option.
Surgery is always the last reserve, no matter how minimally invasive it is, because there are many alternatives, from home remedies and resting to over-the-counter products and other treatments such as injection therapy. But rest assured that there is a medical solution to any problem you’re facing.
Bunionectomy
A bunionectomy is a term used to refer to bunion surgery, no matter what technique is used during the surgery. The operation is meant to fix the deformity on your big toe and remove the bump. It’s a procedure that lasts half an hour and will leave you with a perfect, repositioned big toe.
Osteotomy
An osteotomy is the most common procedure used to remove bunions on big toes. A doctor will install screws and pins that will fix the deformity of the bone. After a while, the bone will be fixed, and the screws and pins will be removed.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis is a surgery that is performed in more severe cases where the doctor removes the part of the big toe joint that is affected by arthritis.
Joint Replacement
Joint replacement surgery is performed on patients that suffer from arthritis in their feet. The main joint of the toe that is affected by arthritis will be replaced with an artificial joint.
Tendon Repair
Sometimes, tendon or ligament repair is necessary when bunion surgery is performed, so that the patient would be able to move the toe normally.
When to Visit Your Doctor?
A lot of people tend to take foot issues lightly. And while there is no reason to panic if you get a foot corn or a bunion, there are some potential symptoms that could cause you discomfort. Bunions can cause a lot of pain in everyday activities such as running or even walking. So, it would be best to visit a doctor if you experience any discomfort.
Talk to Your Surgent in Miami and Go Over All Big Toe Surgery Options
If you want a professional to take care of your big toe problems, contact us and schedule your appointment with the best surgeon in Miami, right here at the Luxe Foot Surgery center. And if you have any questions or concerns, we would gladly address them, don’t be shy to ask.
FAQ
How Successful Is Big Toe Joint Surgery?
Big toe joint surgery has a very high success rate at around 90%.
What Is an Alternative to Big Toe Fusion Surgery?
If you’re looking for an alternative to big toe fusion surgery, Cartiva SCI is another type of procedure that has proven to be very effective.
Can You Walk Normally After Big Toe Fusion?
Yes, you can walk normally after big toe fusion surgery, but you should rest as much as possible for the first couple of weeks, during the recovery period.
Is Big Toe Fusion a Good Idea?
Big toe fusion is a good idea only if you’re experiencing pain.
Resources
- Nihal, A., Gellman, R. E., & Embil, J. M. (2005). Toe joint replacement in the foot. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 172(10), 1263-1268. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC557935/
- Bouché, R. T., Heit, E. J., & Parekh, S. G. (2010). Total joint replacement in the hallux for hallux rigidus: A systematic review. Foot & Ankle International, 31(5), 380-386. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3113/FAI.2010.0380
- Drijvers, J. M., van Bergen, C. J., & van Dijk, C. N. (2017). Total joint replacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: A systematic review. Foot & Ankle International, 38(10), 1137-1146. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1071100717711216
