Do All Bunions Require Surgery?

You know if you have a bunion. You can’t miss the enlargement of the bone around the base of your big toe. Sometimes a bunion occurs at the base of the little toe and is called a bunionette.

Regardless of where your bunion is, the cause is probably the same. Long-term joint stress causes bunions, and they’re especially prevalent in women, who are more likely to wear, tight, pointed, confining heels. 

Bunions also have a genetic component. If your mom or grandma had bunions, you’re more likely to develop them too. Sometimes bunions result from arthritis, or inflammation of the joint.

Regardless of the reason why you have a bunion, you want relief from the pain, discomfort, and deformity of the condition. When conservative treatments such as specialized comfortable shoes, orthotics, or splints fail to help provide relief, surgery may be in order. 

In San Jose, California, Leonard Greenwald, DPM, can evaluate your bunion to determine if surgery is for you. Read on to determine if you should explore this treatment option.

Who should not have bunion surgery?

If your bunion isn’t causing you pain, surgery isn’t really necessary. While early intervention helps prevent progression of many diseases and conditions, this isn’t true for bunions. You can use supportive shoes and other preventive care to slow bunion development successfully and never need surgery.

Who should have bunion surgery?

Good candidates for a bunionectomy, or bunion removal, have significant foot pain. This pain can prevent you from doing the activities you love and even those you don’t really think a lot about, like walking or wearing shoes.

You may also have chronic inflammation of the big toes that can’t be relieved with rest or medications. If you have noticeable toe deformity and see the big toe is moving toward your smaller toes, bunion surgery may also help. 

Stiffness in the big toe that inhibits the ability to straighten and bend is yet another indication. When changes in footwear and over-the-counter medications fail to ease pain, we may suggest surgery to help you find relief.

What is a bunionectomy?

Bunionectomy is a fancy way to describe bunion removal surgery. We offer several different approaches to bunion treatment depending on the severity of your bunion. Because bunions vary in shape and size, there are different surgical options to consider. 

In most cases, bunion surgery involves correcting the alignment of the bone (ostectomy) and repairing the soft tissues around the big toe. The degree of bone deformity removed and how much shift has to happen varies according to the particular bunion.

Surgery helps shorten loose connective tissues and lengthens the tight ones as well.

Your bunion pain doesn’t stand a chance with Dr. Leonard Greeenwald. We’re excited to work with you to get the best treatment for any issue that you may have with your feet. You can find relief from the pain and dysfunction of bunions whenever you’re ready. Call our office or book online to schedule your appointment and evaluation.