Considering Bunion Surgery? A Guide to Your Options
You’ve tried it all: wider shoes, padding, custom orthotics…but that bunion continues to limit your daily moves! And that leaves you wondering:
What options do I really have left? Should I just “live with it”?
When conservative treatments for a bunion are no longer enough, it may be time to consider a more definitive solution. Bunion surgery is a highly effective way to correct the underlying deformity and relieve pain simultaneously. In the following guide, Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio will walk you through the most effective surgical options and what you can expect at each stage.
When is Bunion Surgery the Right Choice?
Deciding to have surgery is a significant step. It is typically recommended only when conservative measures have failed to provide adequate relief and your bunion causes:
- Significant, persistent pain that interferes with your daily life.
- Difficulty walking or performing routine activities.
- Chronic inflammation and swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medication.
The primary goal of surgery is to relieve this pain and correct the deformity, improving your overall quality of life.
What Are the Different Types of Bunion Surgery?
There isn’t a single “bunion surgery,” and medical matters are rarely “one size fits all.”
The specific procedure a podiatrist recommends is tailored to your unique condition, the severity of the deformity, and your lifestyle.
That said, the most popular surgical techniques include:
- Bunionectomy: This is often what people think of when they hear “bunion surgery.”
- It involves removing the bony bump from the big toe joint and making soft tissue repairs to realign the joint into a more normal position.
- Osteotomy: For more significant deformities, an osteotomy is performed.
- This procedure involves making precise cuts in the bone to realign it into a proper position. The repositioned bone is then held in place with small screws or pins.
- Arthrodesis: In cases where the joint is severely damaged by arthritis, a fusion of the joint, known as arthrodesis, may be recommended.
- This procedure removes the damaged joint surfaces and uses screws or plates to hold the bones together until they heal into one solid piece, eliminating painful motion.
What is Recovery Like After Bunion Surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the specific procedure performed, but the process generally involves a period of limited weight-bearing to protect the surgical site.
- You will likely wear a special surgical shoe or boot for several weeks.
- Your podiatrist will guide you through a gradual return to normal activities.
- Often, physical therapy is used to restore strength and range of motion.
Still have questions? We’ve got answers! Get in touch and step toward relief today.
For trusted podiatric experts, choose Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio! With advanced techniques, proven skills, and a stress-free environment, our team can resolve your foot and ankle problems and help you return to living your best life. Step past pain and schedule your appointment today.
