Find out more about bunion surgery and whether it’s the best option for you and your feet.
About Bunions
A bunion is a bony protrusion that juts out at the base of the big toe, pushing the big toe inward toward the other toes. A bunion is usually found at the joint of the big toe, so movement can put a lot of pressure on the bunion, causing pain and stiffness. Since bunions stick out they are also more prone to developing calluses, as they are more likely to rub against shoes.
Bunion Causes
There are several reasons why a bunion might form. For some, bunions are just genetic, while others may have a foot problem or abnormality that predisposes them to developing a bunion. Arthritis can also be to blame for this painful foot condition. Women are often more likely to develop bunions than men since women tend to wear tight or narrow shoes that put pressure on the structure of the foot and exacerbate the condition.
Bunion Treatments
Some patients can find relief from their bunion symptoms just by following some of these more conservative treatments:
- Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to reduce both pain and swelling.
- Wear orthotics or padding to reduce friction, pressure and improve foot abnormalities.
- Only wear shoes that offer a roomy toe bed and don’t have heels above two inches.
- Use an ice pack to help reduce any soreness or swelling.
Bunion Surgery
However, there are some for whom these less aggressive treatment options just don’t cut it. If you are experiencing severe bunion pain that makes it difficult to walk, then it might be time to consider getting bunion surgery. There is a variety of bunion surgeries available, and the best option will depend on your overall health and the severity of your bunion. Your Tyler podiatrist would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your surgical options.
However, the main goal of bunion surgery is to remove the inflamed tissue, straighten out the big toe and realign the bone that affects your big toe joint. Surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia. The recovery process after your bunion surgery can take anywhere from several weeks to months. You will want to stay off your foot as much as possible, and your Tyler podiatrist may even recommend wearing a brace or protective boot to take pressure off your foot while walking.
If you are dealing with severe bunion pain and want to find out more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with your Tyler podiatrist, Dr. James Kent at East Texas Foot & Ankle Center.