When Do Bunions Require Surgery?

Bunions affect up to one in three women and men in the United States. A bunion is a deformity that affects the joint at the base of your big toe. Over time, this seemingly harmless problem causes the toe to bend toward and crowd your other toes instead of pointing straight ahead.

In their early stages, bunions usually aren’t serious. You may not even notice them. However, if they worsen and the deformity becomes more pronounced, bunions can cause significant stiffness and pain. And the problems don’t stop there.

Whenever possible, our team at Tri-State Top Foot Specialist recommends lifestyle changes, such as roomier shoes, to manage complications from bunions. But in severe cases, our expert podiatric surgeon, Hasan Masood, DPM, may recommend surgery — including minimally invasive surgery — at our White Plains, New York, office. 

Bunions cause misalignments

When your toe bends in at an abnormal angle, it puts pressure on the toes nearby, forcing them into awkward positions too. The crowding and misalignment can trigger additional foot problems, including:

• Blisters and wounds
• Corns and calluses
• Ingrown toenails
• Hammertoe
• Bursitis
• Metatarsalgia
• Osteoarthritis

Bunions can be dangerous if you have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or diabetes. Those two conditions already put you at increased risk of foot complications, including skin and bone infections. Bunions increase that risk.

Treating your bunions

When you take action on your bunions early, conservative solutions can often give you relief. Your best bet is to come to see us so we can evaluate your bunions and determine if you’re already in the process of developing misalignments or if your bunions are at an early stage. 

During your exam, we check for other foot problems, such as hammertoe or bursitis. We discuss your symptoms, health, and lifestyle. We also touch on your overall goals for symptom relief, such as being able to get back to a favorite sport or activity.

Based on the answers and data we collect, we create a personalized plan that eases pressure on your bunion and relieves your pain. These approaches often include lifestyle changes and physical therapy. However, if you have a severe deformity or if your symptoms worsen despite lifestyle changes, it could be time for minimally invasive bunion surgery.

Benefits of minimally invasive bunion surgery

Bunion surgery can provide life-changing results for debilitating bunions. Our team excels in corrective foot and ankle surgeries, including minimally invasive procedures that have benefits such as:

Smaller incisions and minimal scarring

The smaller incisions used in minimally invasive bunion surgery result in tiny scars and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Reduced pain

Minimally invasive techniques involve less trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to less pain during recovery.

Faster recovery

Women and men who undergo minimally invasive bunion surgery usually experience a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery. They return to normal daily activities sooner, although it's still essential to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions for optimal results.

Lower risk of complications

The risk of infection and other complications is significantly reduced due to the smaller incisions and minimized tissue disruption.

What happens with minimally invasive bunion surgery 

Before surgery, you undergo a thorough preoperative evaluation, which may include X-rays or other imaging tests to assess the extent of your bunion. The images help your surgeon plan the best surgical approach. On the day of your procedure, we take the following steps:

Preparations

We administer either local or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. We also clean and disinfect the operative site.

Incision and realignment 

Your surgeon creates tiny incisions near your bunion. They then insert specialized instruments to realign your bones, correcting the deformity.

Fixation

In some cases, we insert small screws or wires to stabilize your bones in their new alignment. This promotes proper healing.

Closure

After completing your realignment, we close the incisions with sutures or adhesive strips.

Recovery and postoperative care

The recovery process for minimally invasive bunion surgery is generally faster compared to traditional surgery. However, it’s still crucial to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully:

Weight-bearing

You may be allowed to walk with a protective boot or shoe shortly after surgery, but you should avoid putting excessive weight on your operated foot.

Physical therapy

You may need physical therapy to help regain strength, flexibility, and function in your foot.

Follow-up visits

Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon are essential to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.

Is minimally invasive bunion surgery right for you?

Minimally invasive bunion surgery has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional bunionectomy. However, not all bunions are suitable for this type of surgery. Our qualified surgeon determines the best approach to your bunions based on your needs and circumstances. 

If you're considering bunion surgery, contact our knowledgeable and helpful team for a consultation by phone or by using our online booking form.