When Do Bunions Require Surgery?

Bunions are among the most common foot abnormalities, affecting about one-third of Americans. Although most bunions are small and can be treated with at-home therapies, larger and more painful bunions may require surgery.

At South Denver Podiatry in Littleton, Colorado, our team of experienced podiatrists specializes in minimally invasive bunion surgery. Here, we define bunions, discuss when to consider surgery, and briefly explain how bunion surgery works.

What are bunions?

A bunion is a hard, bony growth on the outer edge of the big toe. It forms when the bones at the base of the big toe change position due to pressure from ill-fitting shoes or general wear-and-tear. 

Once the big toe joint bulges outward, it causes swelling and pain. Without treatment, bunions can continue growing, affecting mobility and increasing the risk of other complications, such as blisters, open sores, and infection.

3 signs a bunion may require surgery

Many bunions are small and improve with conservative therapies, like ice, wearing wider shoes, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. Despite the relative success of these treatments, some bunions require more intensive care. Signs that indicate this include:

1. The bunion prevents your toe from bending or lying flat

The larger a bunion is, the greater the misalignment of the big toe joint. This misalignment prevents the joint from moving smoothly and causes the bones to grind against each other. The friction leads to inflammation and swelling and may cause the joint to become locked, at which point, surgery is the only way to restore the toe’s natural alignment.

2. Your big toe is constantly swollen

Bunions often cause mild-to-moderate swelling, which typically improves with ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. However, if you spend a lot of time on your feet, the affected toe may not heal properly. If the swelling becomes chronic, standing for short periods can become painful. In this case, bunion surgery may be key to recovery.

3. You can’t easily complete daily activities

Bunions can make your big toe stiff and swollen, but most people can manage by wearing more comfortable shoes or using athletic tape to hold the toe in place. If your bunion continues causing problems despite these changes, consider surgery. This is especially true if you’re unable to work, exercise, or enjoy other activities you once did.

How bunion surgery works

At South Denver Podiatry, we take a minimally invasive approach to foot surgery. Bunion surgery usually takes two hours or less and uses smaller incisions than open surgery. 

During the procedure, we remove the damaged tissue surrounding the bunion and realign the big toe joint. Then, we insert pins and screws to hold the big toe straight and close the incisions with stitches. 

Staying in the hospital isn’t necessary, but it takes several hours for the anesthetic to wear off, so you need to have someone drive you home.

Request a bunion surgery consultation

Even though most bunions improve with noninvasive treatments, certain situations require surgery. If you’re tired of being limited by your bunion, contact us. Call our office in Littleton, Colorado, or book an appointment online.