When Should You Consider Bunion Surgery?

Is your big toe turning inward toward your other toes? Perhaps you notice a bump forming on the large joint at the base of your toe. You’re developing a bunion, a foot deformity that worsens without treatment and can cause other foot problems. 

Dr. David J. Kaplan, a board-certified podiatrist with FootCare Specialists, Inc. in San Mateo and Half Moon Bay, California, treats many patients with bunions. At our practice, we develop a customized solution for your bunion based on its severity and your activity level, age, and individual needs. 

Bunions can lead to other foot problems

Your bunion causes a painful, inflamed, red bump in your big toe, which presses against your other toes. This misalignment of the bone and cartilage puts excess pressure on your other toes and forces them into abnormal positions. Bunions can lead to a variety of foot issues, resulting in:

• Corns and calluses
• Blisters and sores
• Hammertoe (your toe doesn’t lie flat; the middle joint bends abnormally)
• Bursitis, or inflammation of the pads cushioning the toe joints
• Metatarsalgia, or swelling and discomfort in the ball of the foot
• Skin and bone infections, particularly if you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease

All these issues make it difficult to walk and increase foot discomfort. 

Getting relief for your bunion

All bunions don’t require surgery. When possible, our team at FootCare Specialists, Inc. uses conservative treatments. 

Dr. Kaplan examines your foot, asks you to detail your symptoms and the onset, reviews your medical history, and takes X-rays. He checks for other associated issues like hammertoes and arthritis. He considers your age, health, and overall goals to ensure your treatment option provides the best outcome based on your individual needs.

Dr. Kaplan may prescribe any or all of the following treatments to relieve your bunion pain: 

• Wear shoes with a wide toe box
• Avoid high heels 
• Add padding to ease the pressure between your shoe and foot
• Use custom-made orthotic shoe inserts to improve faulty biomechanics 
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers
• Administer a cortisone injection to relieve inflammation
• Get physical therapy to strengthen weak foot muscles and help regain range of motion 

These treatments usually help relieve bunion pain for mild and moderate bunion deformities. However, if your pain doesn’t cease or you have a significant deformity, Dr. Kaplan explains that you may need surgery. 

Best timing for surgery 

Dr. Kaplan recommends bunion surgery when conservative treatments don’t work, symptoms are disabling, or the bunion is already very severe. At that point, it’s the best option for relieving your discomfort. After recovery from the surgery, you’ll be thrilled that you can once again fit into your regular shoes. 

Corrective surgery for bunions

Bunion surgery corrects the toe deformity and straightens the joint. In some cases, it may also involve removing damaged or swollen tissue in the area.

There are many different surgical approaches to correct bunions. Our FootCare Specialists, Inc. team uses advanced techniques to correct your bunion. 

Dr. Kaplan uses minimally invasive surgery that fuses the joint at the base of your big toe with a small bone in the middle of your foot. Although complete healing may take weeks to months, patients can often walk right after the bunion procedure.

You don’t have to suffer from bunion pain, and you don’t have to throw out all your shoes and buy new ones. Modern surgical techniques can get you back on your feet before you know it. Call or book an appointment with FootCare Specialists, Inc. through our online portal today.