Updated:
March 31, 2024
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we provide comprehensive services for patients suffering from bunions, including diagnosis, conservative treatment, and surgical intervention when necessary. Our dedicated team of podiatrists ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. This guide will provide essential information about bunions, their causes, symptoms, and how we can help you manage this condition effectively.
A bunion (Hallux Valgus) is an enlarged or prominent bone on the outside of the first, big toe joint. Most bunions are inherited and worsen as the joint responds to abnormal pressure on the affected foot from tight, restrictive, or flat shoes without support.
Pain can range from dull to sharp depending on the amount of joint damage as well as the level of irritation and compression of the surrounding nerves.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the other toes. Bunions can result in significant pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. If left untreated, the condition may worsen, leading to arthritis or other complications.
Common symptoms of bunions include
Bunions are progressive and typically worsen over time. If you experience persistent pain, seeking podiatric care to prevent further complications and discomfort is essential. Early intervention increases the likelihood of successful non-surgical treatment.
Depending on the severity of the condition, either conservative treatment options and lifestyle readjustments or bunion surgery are necessary to treat severe bunions.
Each patient is different, and the question of conservative treatment versus surgical treatment depends on the particular type of foot problem, age, and lifestyle. The right treatment must also meet the patient’s expectations regarding the resolution of their problem(s) and future functionality.
If conservative treatment fails, the option to not have surgery is just as important as the bunion foot surgery chosen by your surgeon.
We always recommend bunion surgery conservative treatment first, such as lifestyle changes, before recommending bunion surgery. However, depending on the severity of discomfort or pain, surgical treatment to correct a patient’s bunions may be the best option.
Several conservative treatment options are available for those suffering from painful bunions before settling on surgical procedures treatment, including the following:
Wearing different shoes could help to relieve some of the bunion pain that comes with bunions. Try a larger-sized shoe, allowing for the width of your thumb at the end, and a high enough toe box to give your toes extra space.
Anti-inflammatory medication can help with the chronic pain that comes with bunions but are not much help with acute pain.
Over-the-counter bunion cushions and padding can be worn over the foot to help ease discomfort. Cushioning layers can fit easily in everyday shoes and ease shoe pressure and irritating friction.
Temporary arch supports or custom molded orthotics can minimize the pressure placed on the bunion, getting rid of some discomfort while wearing shoes. These can be considered a viable short-term solution without surgical intervention.
During most bunion surgery, the bone causing the pressure is remodeled or smoothed down and then repositioned to prevent recurrence. Fixation of the metatarsal bone is commonly a metallic device (screw, staple, wire), but we use absorbable devices or natural bone pins.
Incisions are minimal and vary (average 2 cm to 4 cm), sutures are placed under the skin, and steri-strips (surgical tape) are removed after two weeks.
The procedure is performed at an outpatient facility with the patient under sedation, and the recovery period is anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
Many insurance plans cover bunion treatments, including surgery, if they're medically necessary. This means your podiatrist has recommended them to treat your bunion condition or improve your foot function. However, coverage varies. Some plans may not cover bunion treatments, or may only cover part of the cost.
Before getting treatment for your bunion, it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider. Ask about your coverage and any costs you might have to pay.
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we're here to help. We're proud to be in-network with all major insurance plans, which can make the process smoother and more affordable for you. Our team can assist you in understanding your coverage and guide you through the process. We're committed to providing you with personalized care, including bunion treatments designed to enhance your comfort and improve your foot health.
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for a range of foot and ankle conditions, including bunions. Our team of experienced podiatrists and surgeons use the latest techniques and technology to deliver effective treatments that reduce pain, improve function, and restore mobility.
When you choose Modern Foot & Ankle for your bunion care, you can expect:
Don't let bunion pain keep you from enjoying your daily activities. Contact Modern Foot & Ankle today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our bunion treatment options.
The information on our website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health-related concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Please note that any reliance on the information found on our site is solely at your own risk. For more details, please see our Medical Disclaimer.
Recovery from bunion surgery varies depending on the procedure's complexity, but typically, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for initial healing. Full recovery, including the ability to wear regular shoes and engage in normal activities, can take up to 4 to 6 months.
Pain levels post-bunion surgery vary among individuals but can be effectively managed with pain medication. Most patients report moderate pain, especially in the first few days after surgery, which gradually decreases as the healing progresses. With the smaller incisions and post-operative local anesthesia, some patients only take anti-inflammatories after further surgery. We do prescribe stronger to relieve pain medication just in case, but with a foot elevated and rest for the first 72 hours, most patients have lower than a 5 out of 10 pain level.
The cost of a bunion removal surgery depends upon a patient’s financial situation. For example, a low $500 deductible with coverage for the procedures may be the only cost. A high deductible with partial coverage afterward can become quite expensive. Cash pricing includes hospital costs ($1,500 to $10,000), anesthesia costs ($500 to 1500), equipment costs ($500 to $5,000), and surgeon costs ($750 to $2500).
Bunion surgery can be worth it if your bunion causes persistent pain, limits your activities, or affects your foot's function. The decision should be based on a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist and a discussion about the expected outcomes and potential risks.
Yes, you can be “put to sleep” for bunion surgery. The general surgery using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is very safe and sometimes even safer than sedation with local anesthesia. Office surgeries using local anesthesia are less common now — having the patient relaxed and in a sterile hospital environment is the accepted standard. Some simple bunion surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia only, especially if the patient is at high risk under general anesthesia or sedation.
Bunions rarely grow back after surgery. Bunions do not “grow back” per se, but the hallux (chronic big toe inflammation) angulation and metatarsal head (bone prominence inside the foot) can return to a bunion deformity if the incorrect procedure is performed or deforming forces assist its return over time.
The ability to walk immediately after bunion surgery depends on the specific procedure performed. Some minimally invasive surgeries may allow for early walking in a protective shoe, while more extensive surgeries may require non-weight bearing for several weeks.
Non-surgical methods, such as orthotic devices, bunion pads, and corrective splints, can relieve bunion pain and improve foot function but do not permanently straighten the bunion. They are best used for symptom management or slowing the progression of the deformity.
Bunion correctors can provide temporary relief from bunion pain and improve the alignment of the toe in some cases. However, they are unlikely to offer a permanent correction of the bunion deformity. Their effectiveness varies among individuals.
The recommended duration for staying off your feet after bunion surgery depends on the specific procedure. Generally, patients are advised to limit weight-bearing for 2 to 6 weeks, following their surgeon's instructions for gradual return to activities.
After bunion surgery, avoid putting weight on the operated foot if instructed, getting the surgical site wet, engaging in high-impact activities too soon, and wearing tight or high-heeled shoes that can interfere with healing.
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Dr. Patel's specialized training and patient-centered approach uniquely position him to offer exceptional care across a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions.
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