Bunions can make everyday activities like walking, exercising, or even wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Over time, the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint to protrude and become painful. Bunions can develop for a variety of reasons, including inherited foot structure, improper footwear (especially narrow or high-heeled shoes), arthritis, or repeated stress on the foot. As the deformity progresses, the joint can become increasingly swollen and sore.
How Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy Can Help
Dr. Theodore Guild, a foot and ankle surgeon who recently joined our team, offers Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy (Bunion Deformity Correction), an innovative procedure designed to correct bunion deformities with less disturbance of the skin and soft tissues than open surgery. Traditionally, bunion correction has involved a large incision along the side of the foot. The minimally invasive approach requires incisions of just 1cm or less, through which Dr. Guild uses specialized instruments to reshape the deformity. This reduces tissue disruption, wound complications, and post-operative pain.
Dr. Guild performs the procedure at NECOS, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and York Hospital, making it accessible to patients in several communities.
Who is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?
If you’re dealing with persistent bunion pain that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments like toe spacers, shoe modifications, or splints, minimally invasive bunionectomy may be the right treatment for you. Dr. Guild encourages patients not to wait until pain limits daily life. When a painful bunion prevents you from being able to do the things you enjoy recreationally, or that you need to do regularly, it’s time to come in for an evaluation and begin a conversation about the best treatment approach.
Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is committed to utilizing the latest surgical techniques to improve patient care, comfort, and outcomes. If you’re suffering from a painful bunion, take the first step towards better foot health and schedule a consultation with Dr. Guild today.