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Bunion Treatment

At Brighton Foot and Ankle, we offer comprehensive treatment for bunions.

What is a Bunion?

Bunions are a boney enlargement commonly found at the base of the big toe. They form when the bones supporting the big toe and forefoot become misaligned. The importance of conservative care cannot be understated, and is firmly believed in and practiced at Brighton Foot and Ankle.

However, conservative care does not always provide patients with adequate pain relief or allow for full return to activity. Since this is a bone-related problem, bunion correction may require surgery as conservative care cannot restructure the foot’s bones. Surgery is warranted when bunions are painful, limit activity, or prevent wear in normal shoes.   

Bunion Symptoms

  • A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
  • Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
  • Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other
  • Ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes
  • Limited movement of your big toe
Bunion Symptoms, what is a bunion

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Bryant Cestelein, DPM – Podiatry Specialist

Bunion Correction Surgery

Bunion correction surgery is a minimally-invasive treatment to correct the foot’s ailment and function. While not always necessary, this procedure can bring relief caused by this painful condition.

Individualized Treatment

Dr. Castelein utilizes an individualized approach to each bunion. He listens to the patient’s medical history and activity demands placed on the bunion in question. He then examines the foot’s mechanics and reviews in-office x-rays. Dr. Castelein believes in matching the patient’s lifestyle demands with the biomechanics of the foot. Sometimes, he uses a singular surgical procedure, while more serious cases require a combination of procedures. The goal of each bunion correction is to provide a functioning foot with lasting correction.

Outpatient Treatment

Dr. Castelein completes all bunion procedures in an outpatient setting, either at a hospital or surgery center. He is able to operate at many of the area facilities.

Typically, the patient will go to sleep during the procedure, but Dr. Castelein works closely with the anesthesia team to determine the least amount of anesthesia necessary to keep the patient comfortable.

Bunion Surgery Details

There are a few basic types of surgery used to correct a bunion, each is based on the needs of the patient and foot structure. All procedures involve rebalancing the soft tissues surrounding the big toe. Boney work is determined by the degree of the bunion.

Bunion Surgery Details
  • Mild bunions typically need shaving or removal of the bump causing irritation at the base of the big toe.
  • Moderate bunions require a boney realignment. This is done by reshaping the long bone in the foot called the first metatarsal. This bone is returned to a more natural shape. Many times, a pie-shaped wedge of bone is also removed from the big toe.
  • Severe bunions and flexible bunions require additional stability. This is achieved by joining two bones of a joint to create one long bone. Typically, this is done in the middle of the foot and performed on a joint that naturally has minimal motion and maintains normal function of the foot.
  • When a bunion is combined with arthritis, fusion may be the best option. Often, this involves the joint found at the base of the big toe. The fusion is completed in a manner that allows for proper foot function. The goal of big toe fusion is to alleviate the joint pain by removing joint misalignment. 

After Surgery Care

After surgery, each patient is continuously monitored for healing, swelling, and pain. Dr. Castelein always attempts to have his patients return to regular activity as quickly as possible. The vast majority of procedures allow the patient to starting walking the same day of surgery. In rare cases, a short period of non-weightbearing before initiating walking may be required.

Minimally invasive bunion corrections are becoming increasingly popular. They offer powerful correction with smaller incisions. Dr. Castelein is trained in these techniques and welcomes bringing them to Brighton and the surrounding communities. 

Bunion Surgery, Recovery, Care

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What Our Clients Think

Client Testimonials

Julie
I'm so happy to have found Brighton Foot And Ankle in Brighton. The office staff and assistant are very pleasant. Dr. Bryant Castelein is a great knowledgeable Dr. Who has eased my worry over my medical condition. Plus he's handsome. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone needing podiatry help.
Amy
What great people to help you! From receptionist to doctor, they are top notch! You would not regret going here for any of your foot/ankle problems, they will fix you up with the utmost care and compassion.
Yo K
Dr. Castelein and staff were friendly, knowledgeable , efficient and took the time to get to know me and understand my medical needs. I would not hesitate to go to Brighton Foot & Ankle. They go out of their way to treat their patients like family.
Robert
Dr. Castelein is great; he is very nice, patient, and professional. His staff is also excellent and friendly. It's only been about three hours since having my big toenail removed and, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, there is very little pain(sometimes I completely forget about it); he did an excellent job. Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Casteleins Practice and I would highly recommend his office.
Joseph
Doctor & staff were so professional, friendly & efficient. I had a high risk condition that they expertly guided me through 5 months of healing. Thankfully a full recovery. I give them my best recommendation.
Lexi
Very friendly and accommodating front desk staff. Dr. Castelein and Jennifer always take their time and do an amazing job! Great variety of quick pick up over the counter products that are always affordable too. Best experience I have had at an office.
Christena
Dr. Castelein is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his field. During my visit he did a great job explaining my situation and was very encouraging of any questions. I never felt rushed and I believe to have received the best care possible. Highly recommend this doctor and this facility.
Nicole C
Excellent staff and exceptional doctor. I went in with Bunion issues. Dr. Castelein listened to my concerns and addressed my options. 4 days post-op bunion surgery I can say he did an amazing job. Best experience I have ever had. I would definitely recommend; I promise you won't look further.
Ashley
The staff and Dr. Castelein are all amazing. They are polite and very respectful. I came to see them in 2019 for bunion and hammer toe issues among some others. Dr. Castelein and his assistant listened to my concerns and gave me my options. He explained everything to me in detail and all my questions were answered.. I have seen other podiatrists and he is beyond the best. I would recommend him to anyone.
Alex
Friendly staff and intelligent doctor! I went in for some ankle X-rays and was given a great strategy on the different ways to heal my ankle, and how to progress forward if less invasive treatment doesn't help. I would highly recommend them to anyone with foot or ankle problems!