Bunion Correction and Bunionectomy in Naples, Florida
Many residents in Naples, Fort Myers, and across Southwest Florida suffer from bunion pain that makes walking, exercising, and even wearing everyday shoes a challenge. While many people view a bunion as just a "bump" on the side of the foot, it is actually a complex structural deformity of the big toe joint that often requires specialized surgical intervention to truly correct.
At our Naples office, Dr. David Gitlin provides advanced reconstructive foot surgery, specializing in both primary bunion correction and complex revision surgeries for patients who have had unsuccessful procedures elsewhere.
Understanding the Bunion Deformity
A bunion (hallux valgus) occurs when the big toe begins to point toward the other toes, often pushing the second toe upward. This shift causes the first metatarsal bone to protrude, creating the characteristic "bump" on the inside of the foot.
Common symptoms for our Naples patients include:
Persistent Pain: Tenderness or aching over the big toe joint.
Inflammation: Redness, fluid buildup, or scar tissue formation around the bump.
Difficulty with Footwear: Pain when wearing closed-toe shoes or high heels.
Callus Formation: Painful skin thickening where the toes rub together or against shoes.
While the exact cause isn't always clear, genetics play a major role. Inappropriate footwear—such as shoes that are too tight in the toe box—can also accelerate the development of the deformity.
Conservative vs. Surgical Treatment
In Southwest Florida, many patients try conservative treatments first, such as wider shoes or activity modification. While these can manage symptoms, they cannot remove the bump or realign the bone.
A Note on Bunion Splints:
You may see many braces or splints marketed as "toe straighteners." In the medical community, these are generally not accepted as a functional treatment. While they may occasionally ease acute tenderness, they do not provide a permanent correction of the bone structure.
The Bunionectomy Procedure in Naples
When conservative measures fail, a bunionectomy is the most effective way to restore the foot's natural alignment. Because every foot is different, Dr. Gitlin utilizes a variety of techniques—choosing from over 100 different procedures—to ensure the best outcome for each patient.
The surgical process typically involves:
Shaving the Bump: Removing the prominent bony protrusion.
Bone Realignment: Cutting the metatarsal or big toe bones to shift them into a straight position.
Fixation: Using a specialized screw or pin to hold the bone securely while it heals.
Recovery and Results
Most bunion surgeries are performed on an outpatient, same-day basis.
Walking After Surgery: In most cases, patients can walk immediately after the procedure using a special surgical sandal.
Healing Time: Typical healing takes between 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the specific procedure used.
Complex Cases: For more extensive reconstructions, a period of non-weightbearing or a cast may be required to ensure proper bone fusion.
Revision Bunion Surgery
We frequently see patients from Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers who are unhappy with a previous bunion surgery performed elsewhere. Whether the issue is a recurrence of the bump, an infection, or bone loss (shortening of the toe), Dr. Gitlin specializes in revision surgery. We can often use bone grafts to restore length and function, even in highly complex cases.
Schedule Your Consultation in Naples
If you are looking for a bunion specialist in Southwest Florida, contact our Naples office to schedule a thorough examination and X-ray.
Dr. David Gitlin – Naples Office
3940 Radio Road, Unit 104
Naples, Florida 34104
Phone: 239-465-0311
Serving patients from Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and Cape Coral.
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