Q: Got a painful bunion? Should I think about surgery? When is the right time to consider a procedure for bunions? Let's talk about it!
A: Bunions can be a real pain in the foot – literally! But don’t rush to surgery just because you've got one. While untreated bunions can lead to more serious issues, it's not an automatic ticket to the operating table.
Understanding When to Schedule Bunion Surgery: A Guide
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Bunions occur when the big toe bends towards the second toe, forming a swollen bump at the base of the toe. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk, but most common cases are genetically inherited. Your pleasant foot shape and biomechanics might be the culprit, as they apply extra pressure on the big toe.
First things first, schedule a visit with a podiatrist. They'll evaluate your bunion and suggest non-surgical remedies. Give these a try before considering going under the knife.
A good pair of shoes that fit right and offer arch support is a must. Your shoe size and width may change as you age, so make sure to size appropriately. Opt for shoes that have a sturdy heel counter and enough room for an insert.
Walking puts on the middle bones in the foot that connect to the toes. Adding arch support through a shoe insert can distribute the weight more evenly, reducing the pressure on the bunion area. You can find ready-made inserts at a drugstore or have custom ones made for a better fit.
Specially designed pads between the toes can help separate them and decrease friction. A bunion sleeve can also lessen the friction while providing additional comfort.
- Orthopaedic Surgeon Thuan Pham, DPM
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When symptoms such as recurrent pain, visible deformity, limited motion, shoe-fitting problems, or secondary complications like bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia persist despite conservative treatments, it may be time to discuss surgery with a healthcare provider [1]. Other factors that may indicate surgery include failed conservative treatments, progressive deformity, significant impairment of daily activities, recurrent deformity, or severe bunions that don't respond to other procedures [2].
[1] Cleveland Clinic. Bunion Surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16825-bunion-surgery[2] American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Bunions. https://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/bunion.html[3] FootHealthFacts.org. Bunion Surgery. https://foothealthfacts.org/Conditions/Bunion-Surgery.php
- When considering the right time for bunion surgery, it's essential to first explore non-surgical remedies such as wearing shoes that fit correctly and offer arch support, using specialized pads, and adopting a fitness-and-exercise routine to strengthen foot and ankle muscles, thereby improving health-and-wellness.
- If conservative treatments like these fail to alleviate symptoms such as recurrent pain, visible deformity, or shoe-fitting problems, or if secondary complications like bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia arise, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider about surgical options, seeking the expertise of professionals in the field of science, such as orthopaedic surgeons.
