The small bump at the base of your big toe may not seem like a big deal at first. But over time, as the bump enlarges and the joint shifts farther out of place, the bunion may become a major source of frustration and pain.
While lifestyle changes, orthotics, and medications can provide relief early on, these conservative treatments may eventually stop working. When that happens, you may want to consider bunion surgery.
At Arlington/Mansfield Foot and Ankle Centers, our expert podiatrists provide comprehensive bunion care and personalized treatment plans. Though not everyone with bunions needs surgery, it’s an option that can improve quality of life when conservative care no longer provides relief.
In this month’s blog, we want to share some of the signs that indicate bunion surgery might be the right choice for you.
Bunions develop when the bones of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe gradually shift out of alignment. The metatarsal long bone in the foot shifts inward, while the phalanx in the big toe shifts outward, creating the signature bony bump.
As the foot deformity progresses, the bunion rubs against the inside of your shoes, causing irritation and pain.
Medical interventions that may relieve bunion pain during the early stages include:
When bunions progress too far and medical care no longer provides relief, then you may benefit from surgery. Bunion surgery realigns the bones, restores joint function, and reduces pain.
Pain isn’t the only reason to consider bunion surgery. Severe bunions can make everyday activities like walking, exercising, and standing for any length of time difficult or impossible.
As the bunion grows, shoes may no longer fit properly, causing increased pressure and discomfort. The foot deformity may also change your gait, placing additional stress on other weight-bearing joints like your knees, hips, or back.
When a bunion interferes with your mobility and prevents you from doing the things you enjoy, surgery may help.
Occasional redness and swelling is common with bunions, but ongoing inflammation that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or medication could mean you have joint damage.
In this case, you may benefit from bunion surgery to correct the deformity and remove inflamed tissue around the joint to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
Bunions can cause other foot problems. As the bones shift out of place, it puts extra pressure on other parts of the foot and may lead to:
If your bunion causes other foot problems, we may talk to you about surgical correction to treat the bunion and other conditions in order to prevent further problems and restore foot function.
Bunion surgery is customized based on the severity of the deformity, other foot problems, and your overall health. The type of surgery you need can influence your recovery plan. While some people may be able to walk with a walking boot right after less invasive bunion surgery, others may need to stay off the affected foot for weeks during the recovery period.
Our team at Arlington/Mansfield Foot and Ankle Centers can talk to you about the different surgical options for bunions, what to expect, and your expected recovery timeline so you can make an informed decision.
If your bunion pain affects your quality of life, and conservative treatments aren’t helping, surgery is something you may want to consider. We can talk about your treatment options. Call us today or request an appointment online at our Arlington or Mansfield, Texas, office.
