How to know when it's time to bunion surgery?

When you suffer from bunions, they don’t just make you uncomfortable in a pair of sandals. Bunions can make it hard to do your daily activities and lead to a significant amount of pain. 

If you have bunions and think surgery may be the best option for your foot, we thoroughly discuss your specific situation and bone structure. There are many things to consider before opting for bunion surgery, and it isn’t an appropriate procedure for all patients.

Determining the cause of your bunion

The root cause of your bunion may influence the risks or benefits of bunion surgery. If bunions run in your family, you may have a hereditary foot defect, which makes the formation of bunions more likely. Most often, this defect is a frontal plane deformity and results in a rotation of the first metatarsal bone (the bottom bone of your big toe).

Wearing ill-fitting shoes or narrow-toed high heels can also lead to bunions, which is one of the reasons women suffer from the joint issue more often than men.

To find the root cause and see the severity of your foot deformity, we may take an X-ray or do blood work to rule out other conditions, such as gout or infection.

Finding the least invasive, yet effective treatment

Before proceeding with bunion surgery of any kind, you should attempt less invasive treatment methods. We offer a wide range of options, starting with finding the right shoes. Orthopedic shoes with a wide toe box that doesn’t crowd your feet can relieve pressure and make moving around less painful. Custom inserts, bunion pads, splints, and spacers can also help.

Cut a hole in an old pair of shoes and wear these around the house. This protects your foot from accidental injuries while keeping any pressure off the irritated joint.

To help with any pain, we recommend using a heating pad or ice packs, when necessary. Warm foot baths may also alleviate discomfort. If needed, use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help reduce swelling and aching.

Opting for bunion surgery

Although bunion surgery does eliminate the bony bulge that forms at the base of your toe joint and makes your foot look deformed, it isn’t a cosmetic procedure. The risks of bunion surgery outweigh the benefit of improving your foot’s appearance.

If you’ve tried the less invasive, at-home methods of bunion treatments and still can’t find relief from your bunion pain, it’s time to talk to a foot surgeon. Other instances that require professional bunion care include occasions when bunion pain prevents you from doing daily activities, you don’t feel better with rest, or your bunion shows signs of infection.

Your podiatrist may recommend a bunionectomy, which involves realigning the bone of your big toe and may include cutting ligaments and tendons around your joint. In other cases, they may suggest an osteotomy. This surgical bunion procedure involves cutting your bone and using wires, screws, rods, and metal plates to keep the bones in proper alignment.

Source: achillesfootcare

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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