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Hallux Valgus (Bunions): Myths and reality

Or how to sort the true information from the fake

06 June 2019

oignon au pied

The hallux valgus, or bunion, is one of the most common pathologies of the foot and probably the most operated. Sometimes it is difficult to find information that is often contradictory and inaccurate commonplaces that only complicate decision-making.

Here are some sentences that are often heard and do not necessarily correspond to reality.

For more information on hallux valgus, read our theme page .

Author: Adrien Ray

1. "THE HALLUX VALGUS IS DUE TO HIGH HEELS"

Hallux valgus, also known as bunion is a complex deformity whose origin is not yet fully understood. Bone architecture, genetic character, hyperlaxity and many other factors are recognized as contributing to its development. To date, however, no study has proven the role of high heels in the genesis of this pathology. However. by causing a displacement of the center of gravity previously, they increase the symptomatology and the pains, as the narrowness of these shoes. They therefore represent an aggravating factor in a context of hallux valgus already installed.

2. "IT IS NECESSARY TO WAIT UNTIL THE PAIN BECOMES VERY IMPORTANT BEFORE CONSULTING"

The surgical treatment of bunions has shown a great evolution since about twenty years. At the time, surgery was often complicated by recurrence, pain or development of other problems then little understood. Caution was necessary and patients were advised to wait until the symptoms were well advanced to discuss a correction. Currently, hallux valgus pathology is better understood, surgical bunion corrections are controlled and it is advisable to consult as soon as the discomfort or pain is established. It is also known that other problems, such as osteoarthritis, may arise if the deformity is left for years without correction.

3. "THE CORRECTION SURGERY OF A BUNION IS VERY PAINFUL"

If you ask a woman who has had a bunion (hallux valgus) surgery 20 years ago, there is a good chance she describes the experience as a real trauma, often compared to the pain of childbirth! Again, this vision is not at all short today. With the development of surgical and anesthetic techniques, micro-invasive surgery or improvement in follow-up,  pain is clearly no longer a problem. Naturally, each person perceives the pain differently, but it is transitory, well managed by the drugs and one quickly describes a discomfort more than a true pain.

4. "WE CAN CORRECT THE BUNIONS WITH LASER"

How many time did I heard this? FAKE NEWS!! There is currently NO technique of laser correction of bunions. Minimally invasive surgery, or percutaneous, allows to perform this surgery with one or more incisions of one millimeter. However, the bone movements made by these incisions are made by milling cutters at high speed and absolutely not laser.

 

5. "WHAT EVER WE DO, MY BUNION WILL EVENTUALLY COME BACK"

Recurrence is indeed the main complication of bunion correction. Nevertheless, scientific literature and studies show a 7% recurrence rate which means a 93% chance of permanent correction. Of course, this rate may be modified by the severity of the deformity to correct, the surgical procedure quality, or other very technical issues. Still, a well chosen and performed correction leads to a long standing correction. 

To know more about hallux valgus and bunions ...

Or micro-invasive(percutaneous) foot surgery...