When to Consider Bunion Surgery

If you notice a bony bump protruding out from the bottom of your big toes, you probably have bunions. Initially, bunions can be a mild or purely cosmetic issue, but your bunions can progress to becoming extremely painful and cause alignment problems with your big and second toe.

Not all bunions need surgical intervention, but when your bunions have gotten so severe that surgery is the only option, Ryan Golub, DPM a board-qualified podiatrist from Arizona Foot Health in Phoenix, Arizona, offers life-changing surgery that frees you from your bunions forever. Dr. Golub explains at what point you should start to consider surgery to remove your bunions.

About bunions

Bunions occur when your big toe begins to point inward, in the direction of your second toe. As your toe’s alignment changes, you start to develop a bony bump at the bottom of your toe.

Some people are genetically prone to bunions; however, lifestyle habits can also be a factor. You’re more likely to develop the bunions that run in your family if you wear shoes that are tight or poorly fitted around your toes or have arthritis.

Your bunions can range from mild and not cause you any pain or symptoms to being so severe it can be difficult to walk. Bunions are often progressive, meaning they can get worse over time.

When to start thinking about bunion surgery

You might be able to control the symptoms caused by your bunions through non-surgical interventions, like wearing comfortable shoes with orthotics and taking pain medication. However, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might also want to consider getting bunion surgery.

You’re in severe pain

Bunions can cause pain in your toe and the ball of your foot, making it difficult to walk, exercise, and do your daily activities. Surgery can be the solution to life-disrupting bunion pain if pain medication, proper footwear, and other non-surgical treatments haven’t helped your pain levels.

Your big toe appears deformed

When you have large bunions, they can cause your big toe to become swollen, painful, and deformed by pointing inward to your second toe. Getting bunion surgery can be the only way to fix a toe deformity or to resolve foot swelling and pain that medication or rest doesn’t heal.

Your second toe has developed problems

When your big toe points far enough inward, it can also cause your second toe to become deformed and bend at the joint. These types of problems mean your toe alignment issues from bunions are severe and can probably only be treated by surgery.

You have trouble wearing shoes

If your bunions get large enough, it can be next to impossible to find any footwear you can fit on your feet. Once your bunions are that size, it’s time to think about bunion surgery.

Schedule a bunion surgery consultation today

Getting bunion surgery is more straightforward than you might have realized. Dr. Golub usually performs a bunionectomy to remove bunions, which is an outpatient procedure that allows you to go home after the procedure without staying overnight in the hospital.

A bunionectomy involves Dr. Golub reducing the size of your bunions while also repositioning any alignment issues that have developed in your toes. In some cases, you can walk shortly after the surgery by wearing a special shoe.

If you have bunions that are bothering you, schedule a consultation at Arizona Foot Health today online or by phone.