Bunion Removal Surgery
If you experience significant pain or deformity due to bunions, surgery may help.
What is Bunion Removal Surgery?
Bunion removal surgery, also known as a bunionectomy is the movement or realignment of bone and/or soft tissue at the joint where the big toe meets the foot. It is generally reserved for extreme cases where the patient experiences significant pain or deformity and conservative treatment has failed.
Unless deformity is severe, your podiatrist should pursue non-surgical treatment options before recommending surgery.
Who Needs Bunion Surgery?
Bunions are extremely common. For the vast majority of patients, surgery is not needed. Bunions do tend to get larger over time, but conservative treatment is typically effective at managing the condition. This may include:
- Custom orthotics
- Changes in footwear to a shoe with a roomier toe box or improved support
- Strengthening foot muscles with stretches and exercises
However, some patients experience significant pain or deformity that makes it difficult to walk or wear “normal” shoes.
In addition to pain, you may be a candidate for bunion surgery if:
- You experience chronic inflammation in the big toe that does not respond to medication or resting/elevating the foot
- The bunion has slipped into the “deformity” stage, with the big toe crossing over smaller toes
- Your big toe is so stiff you can’t bend or straighten it
- Changing footwear fails to relieve pain
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, fail to manage pain
What Happens During Bunion Surgery?
At Preferred Foot & Ankle Specialists, our surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. The procedure may involve:
- Bone Realignment: Removing the bony bump and straightening the joint.
- Tendon and Ligament Repair: Adjusting the surrounding soft tissues to restore balance.
- Joint Fusion (in severe cases): Fusing the joint to eliminate pain and prevent future deformities.
Performed under anesthesia, bunion surgery is designed to correct the underlying issue while minimizing recovery time.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from bunion removal surgery varies depending on the severity of the condition and the surgical technique used. Key steps include:
- Initial Healing (First 2 Weeks): Rest, elevation, and limited weight-bearing with the use of crutches or a walking boot.
- Rehabilitation (Weeks 3–6): Gradual increase in activity with physical therapy exercises to restore strength and flexibility.
- Full Recovery (6–12 Weeks): Return to regular activities and wearing comfortable shoes as healing progresses.
Our team will provide a personalized recovery plan and follow-up care to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
Benefits of Bunion Removal Surgery
Bunion removal surgery offers numerous benefits, including:
- Relief from chronic pain and discomfort.
- Improved alignment of the foot and big toe.
- Enhanced mobility and ability to wear normal footwear.
- Prevention of further joint damage or deformity.
- A long-term solution for a common foot condition.
Conditions Treated with Bunion Surgery
In addition to bunions, this surgery can also help address related conditions, such as:
- Severe toe misalignment (hallux valgus).
- Chronic inflammation or swelling in the big toe joint.
- Joint stiffness and limited range of motion.
If left untreated, bunions can worsen over time, leading to greater pain and potential complications.
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Advanced Surgical Care You Can Trust
Our surgical team is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care in a safe and efficient environment. Using the latest techniques in foot and ankle surgery, we aim to provide exceptional outcomes with minimal downtime for our patients.