Bunion Surgery

What is a bunion?

A bunion — known clinically as a hallux valgus — is a bony lump that forms on the side of your foot where your toe joins your foot. Bunions develop on the joint of the big toe most often, although you may also get a bunion at your little toe joint.

Bunions form when structural abnormalities or pressure from incorrectly fitting footwear push your big toe toward the other toes. The additional pressure on the joint of your toe causes boney deposits to form on the joint, causing a lump.

Why would I need bunion surgery?

The podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey recommend bunion surgery when your bunions are so painful that they interfere with your mobility.

Signs that you may benefit from bunion surgery include:

• Pain stops you from completing everyday activities
• Can’t walk for more than a few blocks without severe pain
• Can’t bend or straighten your toe
• Swelling and pain remains even after rest and medication

The team usually tries nonsurgical treatments such as orthotics, steroid injections, and physical therapy before suggesting surgery.

What happens during bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home after your surgery to recover at home. Your Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey podiatrist provides a sedative and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the surgery. They make a small incision in your foot to reach your bunion, and depending on your condition, they may shave away extra bony tissue or realign the bones in your foot and toe. In many cases, they use a metal pin to hold your bones in place while they heal.

Bunion surgery should straighten your bones and relieve the pressure on your joint. In addition to repairing your foot and relieving your pain, bunion surgery should prevent the condition from recurring in the future.

What should I expect while I recover from bunion surgery?

Full recovery from bunion surgery can take up to eight weeks. Your podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey will fit you with a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot for the first couple of weeks after your surgery. You will need to rest and stay off your feet as much as possible. Your podiatrist will give you customized instructions for aftercare and schedule follow-up appointments. You may also need to attend physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility in your foot.

If you’re concerned about your bunions, call Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey or schedule a consultation online to find out how bunion surgery can relieve your pain and restore your quality of life.