Medically referred to as hallux valgus, bunions are bony protrusions that occur when extended pressure misaligns the big toe pushing it toward the index toe. This bump can result from wearing tight shoes, hereditary structural defects, foot biomechanics, or underlying conditions like arthritis.
Left untreated, the deformity can worsen, making it uncomfortable to walk, run, play sports, and wear regular shoes. While your doctor can recommend non-surgical interventions to ease pressure on the bunion, an operation might be necessary to reposition your big toe.
When Do You Need Bunion Surgery?
Your podiatrist may try to manage your bunions with non-surgical remedies if they don’t pose any medical risks. But when do you need bunion surgery?
Persistent Pain
Doctors may suggest surgery to enhance foot function when your bunion pain affects movement and day-to-day activities. While you can switch to less intense activities as a temporary measure, the progressive nature of bunions worsens your situation in the long term. Bunions might even alter your back alignment, gait, and posture, putting pressure on the hips and calves.
Conservative Treatments Aren’t Effective
Rather than reversing the deformity, conservative treatments only relieve your symptoms and prevent bunions from worsening. Surgery is usually the last option after trying the following conservative remedies.
- Orthotics
- Gel pads
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Cold and hot therapy
- Toe spacers
- Bunion splints
- Stretching exercises
Inflammation and Deformity
If your feet are constantly swollen despite resting and medication, you might need surgery to prevent discomfort and further complications. Toe deformities may also be your sign to get an operation. It’s not uncommon for bunions to cause overlapping and underlapping toes, making it difficult to wear shoes.
Surgical Options for Bunions
Now that we’ve answered, “When you need bunion surgery,” let’s explore the procedures available to you. Depending on your activity level, age, and severity of the growth, a podiatrist can recommend one of the following procedures.
- Osteotomy: The surgeon cuts into the bone to reposition the joint before using screws, plates, and pins to correct the new break. Osteotomies can occur at different parts of the bone and are often paired with soft tissue surgeries to realign the big toe.
- Exostectomy: Because the surgery only involves shaving off the bunion, you need additional procedures to reposition your big toe.
- Arthrodesis: The surgeon removes the toe sections that have arthritis before inserting screws, plates, and wires to join the bones until they heal.
Seek a Professional Opinion
Bunion surgery offers pain relief, boosts self-confidence, and improves mobility and overall quality of life. However, you need a podiatrist to evaluate your feet and determine whether you’re ready for the operating table. So, when do you need bunion surgery? Contact Foot Specialists of Birmingham with this and other questions about bunion treatment.
