At first, a bunion may seem like nothing more than a cosmetic concern, a small bump at the base of your big toe that makes open-toed shoes a little less appealing. But as the bump grows over time, it may cause ongoing pain that makes walking difficult.
Not all bunions need surgery, but when they start to affect your daily routine, a surgical solution is something to consider.
At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute in Henderson, Nevada, our team includes podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons who manage the medical and surgical needs of bunion care. We do our best to slow the progression of this foot deformity, but sometimes surgery is the best choice.
Bunions, also called hallux valgus, are a form of foot deformity that affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, the large joint at the base of your big toe.
The deformity develops when the two bones that make up the joint shift direction, with the foot bone (long metatarsal bone) drifting inward and the toe bone (phalanx) drifting out. The joint then builds new bone to protect the joint, creating the bunion bump.
Bunions are progressive, meaning they worsen over time and don’t improve on their own. Medical treatment may slow progression, but surgery is the only treatment that can fix the alignment and remove the bony bump.
As the misalignment progresses, the bunion grows and rubs against the inside of your shoes, causing inflammation and foot pain. Switching to wider, more comfortable shoes may help at first. But as the bunion worsens, so does the inflammation and pain, making it harder to find shoes that fit comfortably and to walk without pain.
If a bunion limits your ability to stay active or do things you love, it’s worth considering surgery.
Bunions may also cause other foot problems, such as calluses, corns, or ingrown toenails. It may also cause hammertoe, an abnormal bend in the toe.
The foot pain from your bunion may affect how you walk, causing more stress on other joints like your knees or hips.
If your growing bunion is creating other problems and sources of pain, surgery may resolve it.
Bunion surgery removes the bony bump and corrects the misalignment. Recovery time ranges from six to 12 weeks, but most people experience significant improvement in pain and quality of life after surgery.
Though we recommend foot surgery when bunions interfere with daily life, it’s not required. The decision to have surgery is solely up to you.
If bunions are affecting your quality of life and you want to learn more about surgery, call us today or book an appointment online. We can evaluate your foot and talk to you about your options.
