Bunion Surgery

Bunions can sometimes be treated non-surgically, but when is it time to have bunion surgery? It is time to consider it if one of the following is true:

• You have persistent severe pain.
• Your daily activities are limited because of your bunion.
• You have severe foot deformity.

What does bunion surgery entail?

Typically an incision is made in the top or the side of the big toe joint area. Soft tissue and bone are removed or realigned.

What are the goals for bunion surgery?

• Relieve pain
• Restore normal alignment to the toe joint
• Allow you to bear weight on your feet normally
• Return to normal daily activities

What do I need to consider about surgery?

• There are different types of surgery when it comes to bunions. Each case is different, so surgery needs to be personalized.
• Bunions can return after surgery, especially if you wear shoes that promote bunions.
• Surgery can reduce the range of motion of the big toe.
• Recovery requires you to stay off your foot for a while.

Surgery should be discussed at length with your physician. Many things need to be considered before it is decided if surgery is the best course of action. 

Image by andy_5322. My Feet. (2007). Flickr.