Bunion Treatment in Los Angeles

Get Precision Care to Relieve Bunions
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Discover Relief From Bunions with the Best Foot and Ankle Doctor in Los Angeles

At Foot & Ankle Specialty Group, we are dedicated to providing the best bunion treatment in Los Angeles. Led by Dr. David Soomekh, DPM, who is recognized as one of the best doctors for bunions in the city, our team offers comprehensive foot care to address your foot health needs.
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overview

What are Bunions?

A bunion, medically known as hallux abducto valgus, is a deformity affecting the big toe and its associated bones. This condition involves the misalignment of the big toe bones in three different planes, leading to pain and loss of function. Over time, the first metatarsal bone shifts away from the other long bones, creating a visible bump on the side of the foot. Simultaneously, the big toe moves toward the second toe, causing joint imbalance and potential arthritis. Without intervention, bunions are progressive and typically worsen over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Bunions

While not all bunions are painful, common symptoms include:

  • Deep aching pain over the bunion bump
  • Pain within the big toe joint
  • Development of painful calluses
  • Pain in the ball of the foot just behind the big toe
  • Inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) leading to increased pain
  • Numbness in the big toe
  • Development of a painful hammer toe in the second toe
X-rays of three patient's left foot, showcasing the different stages of bunion deformities.
Woman in Los Angeles showing development of bunions, with a focus on treatment

Causes of Bunions

Bunions are primarily a genetic deformity, often inherited from family members. However, factors such as flat feet (excessive pronation) and frequent use of high-heeled shoes with narrow toe boxes can accelerate the development and severity of bunions.
diagnosis

Diagnosis of Bunions

Diagnosing bunions requires a detailed evaluation to determine the severity of the condition and any associated issues. Dr. Soomekh uses the following advanced diagnostic methods:

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Clinical Examination
Assessing symptoms and performing a hands-on evaluation of the foot
Gait Analysis
Observing movement patterns to understand how the bunion affects walking
In-office Digital X-rays
Providing detailed imaging to evaluate the severity of the deformity
3D CT Scan (if needed)

Offering a comprehensive view for a more precise assessment

Conservative Bunion Treatment Options

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes. Conservative treatments aim to accommodate the bunion deformity and alleviate discomfort. Options include:

  • Appropriate Footwear: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion.
  • Padding: Using bunion pads or moleskin to cushion the area and prevent friction.
  • Toe Spacers: Utilizing devices to separate the big toe from the second toe, reducing pressure.
  • Ice and Anti-inflammatories: Applying ice packs and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce irritation during flare-ups.
  • Custom Orthotics: Creating custom-molded shoe inserts to slow the progression of the bunion and provide support.
It's important to note that conservative treatments cannot reverse a bunion or halt its progression, but can help manage symptoms and improve comfort.
Surgeon in Los Angeles consulting on treatment options for severe bunion, pointing at foot on x-ray
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What Are My Surgical Treatment Options for Bunion Removal

There are several treatment options for bunions at our state-of-the-art Beverly Hills foot and ankle treatment facility. When conservative measures fail to provide relief or the bunion becomes significantly painful and limits footwear options, surgical intervention may be necessary. The goal of our bunion surgery is to realign your big toe and first metatarsal, remove the bony bump, alleviate pain, and restore function. Most procedures allow for immediate walking and a return to work while wearing a special walking boot. Dr. Soomekh performs these procedures in an outpatient setting at our state-of-the-art facility. Depending on the severity of your bunion, Dr. Soomekh and our elite team will discuss the right course of treatment, which may include the following:

Surgery For A Mild To Moderate Bunion

Head Osteotomy, Chevron, Austin, V-Cut

A small incision is made on the side of the big toe joint. The extra bump is removed. A precision cut is made at the head of the first metatarsal (osteotomy). This bone is now shifted over the original bone closer to the second metatarsal, reducing the angle between them. This bone is then stabilized with 1 or 2 small screws. The screws hold the bone in its new corrected position while the bone heals. Once the bone heals, the screws are not needed and are generally not removed. The big toe is now realigned by releasing one set of ligaments and tightening the other set of ligaments, bringing the big toe straight in the joint. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques.

Surgery for Moderate to Severe Bunions

Opening Base Wedge Osteotomy

With a larger deformity, more of the first long bone needs to be shifted. This can be achieved by making an incision over the base of the first metatarsal. A precision wedge cut is made into the side of the long bone without going all the way through. The far end of the first metatarsal is tilted towards the second metatarsal, reducing the angle between them. The open wedge is now stabilized with a specialized plate and screws. Over the healing time, the wedge will fill with bone, keeping the long bone in the correct position. In some cases, a bone graft will be placed between the wedges. A second incision is made on the side of the big toe joint. The extra bump is removed. The big toe is now realigned by releasing one set of ligaments and tightening the other set of ligaments, bringing the big toe straight in the joint. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques.

Lapiplasty 3D Customized Bunionectomy

This surgical procedure corrects the bunion deformity at its source. The joint at the base of the first long bone (first metatarsal-cuneiform joint) is the joint that is genetically malformed, leading to the progressive shifting and rotation of the first metatarsal, which leads to the bunion deformity.  With a larger deformity, more of the first long bone needs to be shifted and rotated back into its anatomical position. The loose joint at the base of the first metatarsal is addressed to move the entire first metatarsal into a corrected position, correcting the deformity in three dimensions. This can be achieved by making an incision over the base of the first metatarsal and removing the joint (first metatarsal-cuneiform joint). The entire first metatarsal is shifted towards the second metatarsal, reducing the angle between them.  At the same time, the bone is rotated back into the appropriate position. The two bones are then joined together in order to fuse the joint (joining two bones into one), so there is no recurrence of the deformity.  The position of the bones are held together strongly with a combination of bone compressive staples, or plates and screws. Once the bones heal and fusion is achieved, the hardware is not needed but is generally not removed. If needed, a second incision is made on the side of the big toe joint to remove any extra bump of bone. The big toe is now realigned by releasing one set of ligaments and tightening the other set of ligaments, bringing the big toe straight in the joint. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques. With this type of procedure, the long bone can never move out of position. Dr. Soomekh uses this specialized and advanced technique for the lapidus procedure, which allows for bearing weight only one week after the surgery, rather than the traditional six weeks.

Adjunct Procedures for Bunions

Akin Bunionectomy

When the bone of the big toe itself is deviated towards the second toe, an additional procedure can be performed on the hallux. The incision alongside the big toe joint is extended. A special cut is made into the toe bone (phalanx), removing a small wedge of bone. The far end of the bone cut is tilted to close the wedge, bringing the big toe into a corrected position. A small screw stabilizes the bone cut. Once the bone heals, the screws are not needed and are generally not removed.

Tight-Rope

In cases of a severe bunion when a fusion cannot be performed, a modified technique may be chosen. When the procedure is performed to shift the first metatarsal head, and it is fixated with the screws, and it is noted that more correction is needed, an adjunct procedure can be performed. The base of the first metatarsal is anchored to the base of the second metatarsal using strong stitches affixed to an absorbable plug (tight-rope). An incision is made on the side of the base of the first metatarsal. A drill hole is made through the base of the first metatarsal to the base of the second metatarsal. The anchor is then placed through the hole and fixated to the second metatarsal. While holding the first metatarsal in the correct position, the stitches are pulled tight and tied down to the bone, holding the long bone straight.

Fusion

When left untreated, a bunion can lead to severe arthritis in the big toe joint, called hallux rigidus. In these cases, a traditional bunion correction may not reduce all the pain caused by the damaged joint. These patients may require a correction of the bunion through a fusion of the big toe joint. This procedure will solve two problems simultaneously: the improper angle of the toe and the painful arthritic joint. The fusion of this joint still allows for normal walking and some activity. An incision is made on the side of the big toe joint. Any extra bone around the joint is removed. The surfaces of each bone are prepared by removing all the remaining cartilage. The two bones are brought together, and two small screws are placed across the joint. The screws hold the bone in its new corrected position while the bone heals into one. Once the bone heals, the screws are not needed and are generally not removed. In some cases, a plate may also be used to hold the bones together to allow for earlier weight bearing. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Bunion Removal

For optimal outcomes, it is crucial to select a surgeon with extensive experience in bunion surgery. Dr. Soomekh is highly skilled in various bunion correction techniques and tailors the surgical plan to each patient's unique needs. Factors considered include the patient's symptoms, age, activity level, lifestyle goals, the severity of the deformity, clinical examination findings, gait analysis, and imaging results. This personalized approach ensures the best possible correction with the least chance of recurrence and the quickest recovery.
Woman in Los Angeles seeking best treatment option from experienced surgeon.
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Our Bunion Removal Results

Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.
Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.Patient's foot before and after bunion surgery.

FAQs About
‍Bunion Treatment

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Where to Find the Best Bunion Treatment in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for the best bunion care in Los Angeles, Foot & Ankle Specialty Group is here to help. Led by Dr. David Soomekh, DPM, our team provides personalized, cutting-edge treatments to relieve pain, restore function, and get you back on your feet. Whether you need conservative management or advanced surgical correction, we customize every treatment plan to your unique needs. Don't let bunion pain hold you back — schedule a consultation with us today!

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FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALTY GROUP

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Location & Hours

Location

450 North Roxbury Drive

Suite 200
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Contact

(310) 651-2366Book Online

Hours

Mon
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thur
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.