Bunions

Contrary to popular belief bunions are not caused by improperly fitting shoes. In fact bunions are a hereditary condition affecting 6%-10% of the population. The bunion is actually caused by a misalignment of the metatarsal joint at the base of the great toe. Although tight shoes do not cause the bunion they may aggravate it causing increased pain over the area. Many people will purchase wider shoes or wear open toed shoes such as sandals to relieve pressure over the bunion. While this may relieve the pain it is often only temporary and will not get rid of the bunion. Bunions will usually continue to progress and get worse over time. The good news is that with today's advanced techniques it is easier and more effective than ever to remove bunions.

At North Cascade Foot Clinic we have a specialized approach to bunions which not only addresses the boney prominence but realigns the great toe. Dr. Sherris uses a specialized internal fixation technique which has been proven to be the most effective in maintaining the bone in the desired alignment while it heals. In addition he has developed a specialized incision approach, based on techniques used by plastic surgeons, which in most cases helps to minimize scar formation. The surgery is an outpatient procedure usually performed using what is known as "twilight anesthesia" which has been found to be most comfortable in the majority of our patients. In the majority of cases the patient can bear weight immediately following the surgery in a protective postoperative shoe.

Although no one can guarantee results the procedures used by Dr. Sherris have an excellent track record. Older bunion procedures simply remove the bump and do not address the actual cause of the bunion which is the misalignment of the big toe. The procedures utilized by Dr. Sherris address the cause of the bunion deformity and drastically reduce the chance of reoccurrence.

There are non-surgical treatment options available for bunions. These non-surgical techniques do not get rid of the bunion and are only intended to provide comfort. They include padding, wider shoes, splints and arch supports. It should be noted that if the bunion is progressive it will usually continue to get worse over time despite non-surgical treatment. The only way to get rid of a bunion is through surgical treatment.

The good news is that with today’s advanced techniques surgical removal of bunions is more effective than ever before.

At North Cascade Foot Clinic we have a specialized approach to bunions which not only addresses the boney prominence but realigns the great toe. Dr. Sherris uses a specialized internal fixation technique which has been proven to be the most effective in maintaining the bone in the desired alignment while it heals. In addition he has developed a specialized incision approach, based on techniques used by plastic surgeons, which in most cases helps to minimize scar formation. The surgery is an outpatient procedure usually performed using what is known as "twilight anesthesia" which has been found to be most comfortable in the majority of our patients. In the majority of cases the patient can bear weight immediately following the surgery in a protective postoperative shoe.

In the majority of cases Dr. Sherris' patients are able to bear weight and walk immediately following bunion surgery. They wear a low profile shoe which helps protect the area for a few weeks and then they progress to regular shoes. In the case of severe bunions,  in which more extensive surgery is required crutches or a walker may be used initially.  Dr. Sherris can determine whether or not your procedure would require crutches prior to surgery.

Most medical insurance plans cover bunion surgery. At North Cascade Foot Clinic we accept most major insurances.  If you have questions regarding your plan feel free to contact us