When Do Bunions Require Surgery?

You’ve developed a bunion. The bony growth on the side of your big toe has developed over several years. Perhaps you didn’t notice it before, but now it’s causing problems. 

Welcome to the world of bunions. They affect women and men but are 10 times more likely to affect women. Bunions are a common foot deformity, and both genetics and lifestyle play roles. Up to one-third of Americans have a bunion; they’re common as you grow older. 

Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Artin Shakhbandaryan, DPM, treats many cases of bunions at Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center in West Covina, California.

Bunions sometimes respond to conservative treatments in the beginning stages. We may prescribe custom orthotics, which help correct your gait and relieve pressure on your toe joint. You may benefit from physical therapy, injections, icing, and pain medication. 

When should you consider bunion surgery? 

If your bunion is painful and conservative treatment hasn’t worked, you should consider surgery. Here are a few pointers to help inform your decision. 

Bunions are progressive 

Your gait (the way you walk), genetics, and perhaps the type of shoes you wear place excess pressure on the joint at the base of your big toe. 

Over time, that pressure moves the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint that connects your toes to your foot out of alignment. New bone grows as your toe starts slanting sideways, creating the bunion. 

It’s always best to treat a bunion early. We can help stop the progression of your bunion, but we can’t undo the change to your foot that’s already occurred without surgery. 

If your bunion has progressed and is painful, we recommend bunion surgery. The surgery realigns your joint and shaves the bony protrusion to restore your foot as close to its pre-bunion shape as possible.

Bunions can cause pain

You’ve likely made a doctor’s appointment because your bunion hurts. As a bunion develops, it forms a knob at the base of your big toe. Your shoes rub it, and it becomes red and inflamed. You can’t stay on pain medication for long periods. Physical therapy may not help. 

Bunions limit your footwear options

Your bunion may be so painful you may be unable to bear any shoes except sandals or flip-flops. You may force yourself to wear uncomfortable shoes for meetings or important events, but you might have to leave shoes you love in the closet. 

Bunions cause other foot deformities 

A growing bunion can cause other foot deformities and painful conditions, including: 

• Hammertoes
• Calluses and corns
• Bursitis
• Ingrown toenails

Bunions interfere with your gait and can lead to poor balance in your foot. If you’re plagued by problems associated with a growing bunion, surgery can relieve these additional issues.

Bunions are unsightly

Your bunion not only hurts, but the deformity is on display when you wear open-toed shoes. However, you don’t have to live with an unsightly bunion. Modern surgery can correct this progressive deformity and help keep your other toes in position. 

If you have a painful bunion, call Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today.