Bunion Surgery

Editor: Dr. Amy Spencer, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, CSCS, CKTP - A Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Certified Manual Therapist. Owner and Physical Therapist, Specialized Physical Therapy in North Reading, MA.

A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions form when your big toe pushes up against your other toes, forcing your big toe joint away from normal profile of your foot. Over time, the abnormal position enlarges your big toe joint crowding your other toes and causing pain. A less common bunion, also known as Tailor’s bunion or bunionette, is located by the joint at the base of the smallest (fifth) toe. Since the bunion occurs at a joint, your entire body weight rests on the bunion at each step when the toe bends during normal walking.

Bunions can be extremely painful. They’re also vulnerable to excess pressure and friction from shoes and can lead to the development of calluses. Bunions can develop at any time and are normally treatable without surgery. Although they don’t always cause problems, bunions are permanent unless surgically corrected. If the cushioning sac of fluid (bursa) over the affected joint becomes inflamed (bursitis), a bunion can be very painful and interfere with your normal activities. Bunions may become larger and more painful, which will make nonsurgical treatment less effective. When nonsurgical treatments are not enough, surgery may be necessary to relieve your pain, correct the deformity, and help resumption of normal daily activities.

Causes for Needing Bunion Surgery:

The most common cause of bunions is the prolonged wearing of poorly fitting shoes, especially if a narrow pointed toe box is squeezing the toes into an unnatural position. Bunions also may be caused by arthritis and other people may simply have a genetic predisposition.

Symptoms that may Result in Needing Bunion Surgery:

• Bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
• Redness or soreness around your big toe joint
• Thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe
• Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap
• Persistent or intermittent pain
• Restricted movement of your big toe

Treatment after Bunion Surgery:

After surgery, physical therapy treatments such as scar tissue massage, mobilization, massage therapy, proprioceptive training for the lower leg, strengthening exercises, balance, and gait training are needed to improve your range of motion and foot strength. It will also alleviate pain, so you can walk normally again.

Convenient Physical Therapy Clinic Location: North Reading, MA

Specialized Physical Therapy is conveniently located in North Reading, MA. We proudly serve residents in the neighboring communities including: Andover MA, Reading MA, North Andover MA, Wilmington MA, Boxford MA, Burlington MA, Woburn MA, Lynnfield MA, Melrose MA, Danvers MA, Middleton MA, Topsfield MA, Wakefield MA, and Methuen MA. We offer free and spacious parking located within a few steps away from our clinic’s door.

Schedule Your Appointment Today to Regain Freer Movement and Healthy Living!

Specialized Physical Therapy practices a comprehensive approach to total muscle, joint, and spine health. We are the preferred physical therapy clinic in Greater Boston, because we offer an extensive range of physical therapy services designed to restore your physical strength and mobility while reducing your pain. Our physical therapy clinic sets itself apart by:

• We have helped thousands of patients with low back pain, sciatica, disc bulge, shoulder pain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, hip pain, hip replacement, hip impingement, knee pain, knee replacement, ACL tears, MCL strains, LCL strains, ankle pain, and much more. Our Physical Therapy experts can help you with your range of motion, strength, balance, pain, injuries, and more. Call Now to take control of your health!
• Providing proven techniques for alleviating minor, major, acute, and chronic pain.
• Specializing in sports medicine, manual therapy, post-surgical care, auto accidents, workers compensation, prenatal and postpartum conditions, orthopedic injuries and overuse injuries.
• Maintaining a clean, comfortable, private and quiet clinic, making it ideal for private consulting, educating and performing the latest physical therapy techniques.
• Focusing on your individual needs, not the bottom line, because we are a small, physical therapist-owned and family-oriented clinic.
• Treating one patient at a time in our private treatment room to make sure that you get the personalized care and attention you need.
• Completing your treatment from start to finish with only exceptional doctorate trained and fully licensed Massachusetts physical therapists that have excellent skills, breadth of knowledge, and invaluable experience to help you reach your goals and succeed.

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