A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that causes the bones in that joint to become misaligned. This forces the big toe to bend toward the others, resulting in a noticeable and often painful bump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries much of the body's weight while walking, bunions tend to cause additional foot problems such as calluses, corns, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and may lead to premature arthritis. Bunions can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is referred to as a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion". Bunion sufferers frequently find they experience pain during daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs and shoes feel as though they don't fit properly. Many of those suffering from bunions will hobble about to work or school for months before deciding to see a foot specialist. Non-invasive procedures such as special shoes, padding, ultrasounds and custom fitted orthotics, may help relieve some of the discomfort of bunions. For patients whose condition does not respond favorably to conservative therapy, an innovative, outpatient bunion procedure may be the best long-term solution. Called a bunionectomy, the latest procedure uses an internal 3.0 mm allograft (made of bone), offers shorter recovery time than older procedures and allows the patient to bear weight immediately following surgery. Michael C. Allen, D.P.M., a podiatric surgeon with Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC, uses this allograft procedure for his bunion patients. During the initial evaluation, Dr. Allen x-rays a patient's foot to determine how to properly correct the bunion deformity and answers any questions the patient may have regarding the surgical procedure. The procedure itself takes approximately thirty minutes and after the surgery patients can return home wearing a post-operative shoe. Follow-up visits are required to change bandages, remove stitches, and monitor results with x-rays. Within a short time, a patient is out of the post-operative shoe and wearing soft shoes again. According to a survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, about 25% of Americans report suffering from some type of foot injury or distress in the last twelve months. Dr. Allen has been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of lower extremity conditions. He feels that the reason many people do not seek healthcare for foot problems is that they may not realize help is available to alleviate their pain and cure their problems. Most of Dr. Allen's patients are from referrals because he has made such a lasting impression on many of his patients. Dr. Allen and his colleagues Dr. Judy Outsa, and Dr. Bradford Fine offer services to patients in five area office locations: Lexington, Georgetown, Berea, Frankfort, and Mt. Sterling. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 859-278-8855 or toll free (888) 689-3668. New patients welcome. Most insurance plans accepted.

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