If you have a bunion, you know how painful and unsightly they can be. Fortunately, there are many ways they can be treated, including many conservative measures. If you find yourself living in constant pain and being unable to do the activities you once did because of your bunion, you might need to consider surgery. Read on to learn more about bunions, how they’re treated, and why bunion surgery could be a smart choice for you:
What Is a Bunion?
Also known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony bump that gradually appears at the base of your big toe joint. It’s not unusual for your big toe to bend toward and push or overlap the other toes on the foot if you have a bunion. This podiatric condition is often genetic since people tend to inherit their foot structure from their parents, but they can also be brought about or worsened by wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box.
How Are Bunions Typically Treated?
Because they begin to show up over time, bunions may at first present themselves to be painless and unnoticeable. As they progress, however, you might begin noticing swelling or redness around the big toe joint, a bony protrusion that continues to grow, or pain or stiffness in the affected area. Bunions don’t go away on their own; if left untreated, they can lead to other conditions like arthritis, limited mobility, and other podiatric deformities.
If your bunion causes you mild to moderate pain, some conservative measures can help relieve your discomfort. Your podiatrist may advise you to try the following first:
- Wearing comfortable shoes with plenty of wiggle room in the toe box
- Taping your foot to keep it in a normal position
- Padding the bunion with moleskin or gel pads
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Applying ice packs on the affected region
- Using orthotic shoe inserts
When Should I Consider Surgery for My Bunion?
You may want to consult with your podiatrist and talk about surgical options if any of these reasons apply to you:
- Pain is consistent, severe, and impeding your daily activities.
- It hurts to put pressure on the affected foot.
- Walking is difficult because of your symptoms.
- You’re experiencing a more limited range of motion in your feet.
- You struggle to fit your feet into regular footwear.
- The aforementioned conservative treatments are no longer giving you relief.
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Bunion Surgery
If you’re thinking about having bunion surgery because of the above reasons, you may find that it’s the smartest move you could make in regaining your quality of life. Here are our top reasons why bunion surgery could be what you need:
- It relieves your pain. There’s no doubt about it – bunions can be quite painful. Many of our patients, however, have found that the surgery helps alleviate their pain and gives them long-term relief!
- It’s more efficient than other methods. There are several types of bunion surgery; the kind you’ll need will depend on your unique situation. Additionally, this type of surgery is becoming more sophisticated and allows for smaller incisions and faster downtime.
- It helps you lead a healthier life. Painful, protruding bunions often cause patients to shy away from engaging in their favorite activities or even simply walking. Once it’s removed, though, patients have found that they can enjoy a greater level of physical activity, which helps them live a healthier, more active life.
- It’s performed as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home to recover the same day as your surgery!
- It boosts your confidence. Patients tend to feel very self-conscious about their bunion and avoid wearing sandals or going barefoot because of it. Eliminating the bunion through surgery can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable with their feet once more.
The Experts at The Foot & Ankle Center Can Help Don’t let your bunion control your life. Schedule an appointment with the knowledgeable and friendly doctors at The Foot & Ankle Center to see if bunion surgery is right for you! Call us at (314) 487-9300 or request an appointment online to get started!