Bunion removal surgery is not for people who can continue through life undisturbed by their bunion. Surgery is ideal for people who have a bunion that is large enough to cause pain and difficulty when completing most activities. If it is not initially, over time, some bunions will worsen in severity and size. In this case, it is wise to visit our office to determine if surgery is the best option.
It may be if any of the following are factors:
Pain
The pain that comes from severe bunions is incredibly high and very restrictive. A bunion will cause pain for many reasons. It may be squeezed in a shoe, sore from walking, causing the large toe to push on the other toes, or perhaps it is so large that it is merely in a stage of continual or sporadic throbbing. A bunion can also contribute to a disproportionate amount of weight resting on certain parts of the foot which can create weak arches and pain even just while standing.
Inability to wear or find shoes
Having a bunion, large or small, affects the types of shoes a person can wear. This aspect is not only caused by the issue of needing comfort and having shoes that will not constrict a bunion but a matter of finding shoes that fit correctly. Having a bunion will also change the shape of your shoe over time thus making it impossible to resell or donate. Often, excess space will form in a person's shoe to accompany the large and protruding bunion.
Discomfort and difficulty during activity
Walking, running, light jogging, yoga, swimming, and any other activity all are made more difficult and less enjoyable by having a bunion. With a large bunion, a foot is not able to operate at its fullest capacity making activities involving the foot much more difficult. Even in the most comfortable shoes, weight on a bunion for an extended period can slowly become crippling and can have effects lasting far past the end of the activity.
Self-consciousness
Many people with bunions refuse to wear sandals or flip-flops (even though they are a very comfortable and smart option for a person with a bunion) because they are embarrassed by their toes and feet. Many women, in particular, will not get pedicures or foot massages for fear of what others will think of the look of their feet. Bunion removal surgery will not only improve the overall functionality of the foot but will also remove the shame and embarrassment that often comes with having a bunion.
Preventing worsening condition
In most cases over time, a bunion will only get worse. It will typically begin to push the second toe into the other toes and cause crowding. It affects the shape of the foot, the strength of the arch, the weight distribution on the heel and the ability to participate in specific activities. There is currently no cure for a bunion that does not involve surgery, and though there are temporary solutions to help provide comfort, bunions can often create more podiatry issues and need to be treated with surgery and removed as soon as possible.
Bunion removal surgery is a serious procedure with excellent results. The recovery process will take planning as it will significantly change a person's ability to get from place to place at first, but the lasting benefits are life-changing.
Walking through life with a painful and crippling bunion is no way to live. We take pride in helping people walk through life more comfortable and bunion free. Our highly trained team would appreciate the opportunity to consult on your medical and podiatry related inquiries. Please call to schedule an appointment today.
Call (408) 827-9483 today to reach Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M..
