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5 Signs It's Time to Consider Bunion Surgery
Bunions, bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, affect about one-third of Americans. If you have one, you don’t have to resign yourself to a lifetime of limping — you have options. See dual board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Jason Armstrong, DPM, to find out more about bunions and whether bunion surgery could be right for you.
Causes of bunions
Bunions can develop when bones in the toe joint move out of alignment. Your big toe may lean toward your smaller toes, causing the joint to stick out. Risk factors include:
- Wearing high heels or other uncomfortable shoes
- Genetics
- Foot stress
- Athletic activity
- History of foot injuries
- Foot defects
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Standing or walking for long periods
- Being female
Left untreated, bunions may worsen and increase the risk of bursitis (painful fluid-filled sacs near your joints), osteoarthritis, and hammertoes.
5 signs it’s time to consider bunion surgery
These five signs can help you decide if it’s time to explore surgical options with Dr. Armstrong:
1. Conservative treatments haven’t worked
Dr. Armstrong often first recommends conservative bunion treatment options, such as icing, shoe changes, shoe inserts, bunion pads, physical therapy, or cortisone shots. If these don’t ease your discomfort, bunion surgery may be a good option.
2. Bunion discomfort is worsening
Minor bunions that don’t bother you much typically don’t require surgery. But if your bunion pain increases, Dr. Armstrong can provide treatments to stop the pain progression and relieve your symptoms.
3. Bunion pain is severe
Severe bunion pain should be evaluated right away, especially if it limits the movement of your big toe and foot, or if it prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities.
4. It’s difficult to find shoes that fit properly
See Dr. Armstrong for an evaluation if you can’t find shoes that fit your feet comfortably. He can help you find appropriate footwear based on the shape of your foot or recommend surgery to correct the problem.
5. Bunions limit your physical activity
Exercise is important for your overall health and well-being. If a bunion restricts the type or intensity of physical activity you’re able to engage in, see Dr. Armstrong to determine if you’re a candidate for bunion surgery.
What to expect during bunion surgery
Bunion surgery restores the affected joint’s structure and function. Dr. Armstrong numbs the area and uses advanced surgical techniques to remove damaged tissue, realign bones, and correct joint abnormalities.
You might be able to walk right after surgery, but full recovery can take up to six months. Avoid wearing narrow shoes to reduce the risk of complications or the development of new bunions.
Dr. Armstrong also treats heel pain, plantar fasciitis, wounds, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, neuropathy, and other foot problems. He provides additional cutting-edge foot and ankle surgeries, including ankle arthroscopy.
If a bunion bothers you or is worsening, contact us in Shenandoah or Humble, Texas. Call our office or request an appointment online today to schedule an evaluation with Jason Armstrong, DPM.