Have you noticed a bony bump forming at the base of your big toe, on the side of your foot? That may be a bunion, which often results from arthritis or from wearing shoes that are too tight.
A bunion can develop when your big toe turns inward and overlaps with the next toe. This leads to the joint at the base of the big toe forming an outer bump, causing the foot to be a bit wider.
Bunions may cause excruciating pain over time if left untreated. Thus, it is crucial to act early and get treatment from a skilled podiatrist. Let’s talk about how you will know that surgery is warranted to treat your bunion, and where you can go for world-class podiatry here in South Texas and the San Antonio area.
When to Get Bunion Surgery
You will naturally only consider surgery to treat your bunion when you don’t respond to less-invasive solutions, and the pain and swelling become more and more severe. You may also consider surgery if you’re unable to bend or straighten your big toe and if there is a painful, visible deformity.
Note that surgery for bunions is not done for cosmetic purposes. Your health insurance should therefore cover some or all of the cost. Your podiatrist will only recommend surgery if the pain becomes intolerable and starts to interfere with your everyday activities.
Surgery Process for Bunions
Most bunion surgeries will involve filing down or slightly cutting the bone on the side of your foot. Surgery for bunions may also involve the insertion of screws or plates to maintain proper bone position as it heals. This can be performed on an outpatient basis.
There are different types of bunion surgery, depending on the severity of your condition. The right surgery for you will depend on various factors. Your podiatrist will explain your options, as well as their benefits and risks.
- Mild bunion: This surgery will involve cutting the bony bump to correct the bone alignment and to relieve foot pain and swelling.
- Severe foot deformity: If your bunion causes severe deformity in your foot, your surgeon may opt to cut the bone nearer to the middle of your foot. This procedure aligns your toes in the foot.
- Developed arthritis: In this case, your doctor may fully remove the damaged bone tissue in the bunion. The doctor can also perform a joint fusion, in which two bones are fused together to alleviate foot pain and to repair deformity.
Professional Bunion Treatment in South Texas
Here at The Podiatry Group of South Texas, we have a team of highly qualified podiatrists who offer the best foot and ankle care in the greater San Antonio area. Our healthcare providers are trained to use the most advanced methods for relieving foot conditions and improving your foot health.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, contact our caring staff today by calling our location nearest you. You may also fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. Let us help you get back in step again!
