When Do Bunions Require Surgery?

As many as one-third of Americans have bunions. You may not even notice the start of their development. Your big toe starts to drift toward the second toe, causing a bump to develop on the inner side of your foot. Over time, your foot starts to look misaligned. 

Here at Mastracco Foot & Ankle, our specialist in foot health, Dominick Mastracco, DPM, FACFAS, has treated numerous bunion cases. Given how common bunions are, we offer a range of surgical options designed to correct the deformity and alleviate discomfort.

If you’re exploring bunion treatment, here are some important factors to consider when thinking about surgery.

Bunions keep progressing

Bunions result from an imbalance in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint – the joint at the base of your big toe. When you have this imbalance, the foot (metatarsal) bone shifts toward the inside part of your foot over time, while your big toe (phalanx) angles toward the outside.

Your foot wants to protect itself in this new position, so it develops new bone, creating the characteristic bump on the inside portion of your foot.

This process is progressive, meaning the changes continue to worsen and are irreversible without surgical intervention. We do offer nonsurgical treatments to slow the progression, but they can’t reverse the damage. 

With bunion surgery, we can realign the MTP joint and remove the bony growth, restoring your foot to a more natural shape.

Pain is common with bunions

As your bunion becomes more pronounced, it often leads to increased friction and inflammation, especially when wearing shoes. This inflammation can make it difficult, if not impossible, to find comfortable footwear.

If you’re frequently in pain due to your bunion, surgery might offer a more lasting solution than simply opting for open-toed shoes during flare-ups.

Bunions cause additional problems

As bunions advance, they can cause a range of secondary problems, including:

• Hammertoes
• Calluses and corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Bursitis

The imbalance caused by a bunion can lead to discomfort in other parts of your foot, and it can even cause a change in your gait. If these issues are adding to your discomfort, bunion surgery might be the best option to address both the bunion and its related problems.

Bunions cause aesthetic concerns 

Bunions can make you self-conscious when going barefoot or when wearing open-toed shoes. If the appearance of your bunion bothers you, surgery can address this concern. We can restore a more aesthetically pleasing look to your foot.

The decision to have surgery

We work with you to determine when bunion surgery is your best option. Many patients opt for bunion surgery to relieve pain, correct deformities, and improve the overall function and appearance of their feet.

If you’d like to explore your treatment options further, we invite you to contact Mastracco Foot & Ankle and schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you take the next step toward better foot health.