5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Bunion Surgery

At first, bunions are small and easy to ignore. But that bony bump at the base of your big toe represents a deformity that won’t heal or improve without treatment.

Over time, bunions can worsen, leading to pain and stopping you from staying active.

Our Specialized Foot and Ankle Care team begins your bunion treatment with nonsurgical interventions. However, the time may come when surgery is the only way to repair the bunion and restore your health.

Bunions only get worse

A bunion begins when the top of your big toe is forced inward toward the second toe. This unusual movement pushes the joint at the base of the big toe outward, creating the hallmark sign of a bunion: a bony bump on the side of your foot.

Though bunions are mild at first, and early treatment may slow the progressive deformity, they don’t heal on their own. They only get worse over time.

Joint damage increases, the bump enlarges, pain strikes, and your ability to walk is affected. Eventually, surgery may be the best treatment.

Five signs you need bunion surgery

No one wants to have surgery, so it’s natural to push through the pain and put off the decision as long as possible. As your bunion and pain worsen, you can use the following five signs to guide your decision.

It’s time to consider bunion surgery when:

1. Your pain is intolerable or suddenly flares up

Pain that doesn’t improve, worsens, or becomes more than you can stand is the most pressing reason to consider surgery. No one should spend their days in pain when minimally invasive bunion surgery can correct the deformity and stabilize the joint. 

You should also pay attention to sudden pain flare-ups. They could be a sign your bunion is getting worse or a complication has developed.

Be aware that new pain in your legs, hips, and lower back may arise from the bunion. When your foot hurts, you change how you walk, putting more pressure and strain on those areas than usual.

2. You can’t walk or enjoy daily activities

Bunion pain alone hinders walking and stops you from doing the activities you enjoy. However, the deformity also limits toe movement, affecting your gait and balance. If the bunion gets too big, you may not be able to find comfortable shoes.

When wearing shoes and walking become painful or impossible tasks, and your quality of life suffers, surgery may be the next best choice.

3. Inflammation and swelling persist

Inflammation and swelling add to your bunion pain and can contribute to other complications. If the area around your bunion stays inflamed, it’s time to schedule an appointment so we can evaluate your foot and recommend treatment to prevent further problems.

4. New foot problems develop

Bunions often lead to other foot problems that multiply pain and reduce mobility. People with bunions often develop bursitis. They’re also more likely to develop arthritis in the affected joint.

Hammertoe is a common complication. As the top of your big toe moves inwards, it pushes against the other toes, forcing them out of alignment and causing them to bend downward (hammertoe).

Having a hammertoe together with a bunion can make it nearly impossible to stand and walk without extreme discomfort.

5. Conservative treatments no longer help

We always begin your bunion treatment with nonsurgical options, ranging from footwear changes, padding, and splints to customized orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.

When we’ve exhausted all conservative treatments and your pain persists or worsens, your next option is bunion surgery.

Ready to improve your quality of life?

Surgery is never an easy decision, but it might be the only way to eliminate painful, life-limiting bunions.

If you’re ready to return to an active life, we’re here to help. Request an appointment through online booking or call our experienced team at Specialized Foot and Ankle Care today.