Are you thinking about having bunion surgery? The choice to undergo surgery can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s discuss when you should consider bunion surgery to better your foot health.
What Causes Bunions?
First, let’s cover what causes bunions. A bunion is a bony deformity found at the base of the hallux, also known as your big toe. Bunions occur because of a misalignment of the bones in your foot usually caused by improper footwear putting pressure on the hallux. When the toe repositions inward, the joint at the base of the toe starts protruding outward. Bunions are associated with pain and inflammation, worsening over time. Bunions can be treated with conservative treatments or minimally invasive bunion surgery.
When Should You Consider Surgery to Treat Your Bunion?
Here are some of the most common reasons you should consider bunion surgery:
- Conservative Treatment Failure: Most physicians will recommend conservative treatment options first such as the RICE method, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modification, or orthotics. When these nonsurgical treatments fail, surgery should be considered.
- Persistent Pain: If your bunion pain is severe and persistent, it may be a sign that you are in need of bunion surgery. Surgery is an effective way to alleviate pain caused by having a bunion.
- Rapid Progression: If you notice that the deformity of your foot is progressing quickly, you should seek out treatment from a foot surgeon. Bunions will only continue to deform your foot, which could eventually affect your ability to walk.
- Affecting Footwear Options: If your bunion is big enough and painful enough that it is regularly impacting which shoes you can wear, it may be time for surgery. It is not recommended that you wear tight, narrow, or pointed shoes with bunions. However, if your bunion is affecting your ability to wear proper shoes that should be comfortable otherwise, you will likely need surgery.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for bunion surgery. Most conservative treatment options work to curb your pain but it is impossible to correct your bunion without surgery. If you are considering minimally invasive bunion surgery, contact Dr. Daniel Dean for expert guidance and excellent surgical outcomes!
Dr. Daniel Dean is a board-certified and fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. He treats all musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and ankle in adolescent and adult patients. He has specialized training in total ankle arthroplasty, sports injuries, flatfoot, complex fractures, and minimally invasive techniques in bunion correction.
