Bunions are painful limps that occur on the side of feet and influence how one walks. On medical terms, ‘hallux valgus’ describes the big toe turning towards the rest of the toes on the foot. When the big toe is pushed against the second toe, the first metatarsal bone is pushed to the side, causing it to stick out and rub against the shoe.

Discomfort, pain at the joint, and the toe’s inflammation push affected individuals to seek self-help therapy such as custom made shoes, use foot padding, or apply ice to the affected area.

Non-surgical treatment options.
Before resorting to surgery, patients with bunions should wear comfortable footwear and avoid shoes that squeeze the toes together. One can seek the help of a podiatrist who will recommend specifically molded shoes.

Additionally, patients can protect their feet from injury by buying pads from a podiatrist or a pharmacy. Pain medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help alleviate the swelling and pain from a hallux valgus.

Patients often wonder when is the most suitable time to consider bunion surgery since most medical experts state that the risks might outweigh the benefits in cases where one seeks cosmetic reasons.

The distinction of bunion from diseases that cause foot problems such as arthritis and diabetes assists one avoid developing life-threatening conditions or permanent damage to their foot. Here are some of the circumstances that might warrant a bunion removal surgical procedure.

Pain.
Patients with severe bunions report very high and restrictive pain. Pain from a bunion might occur due to squeezing while wearing shoes or friction from walking that causes sore development. When a bunion becomes very large, it can cause pain due to sporadic or continuous throbbing.

Furthermore, a hallux valgus might result in pain and weak arches due to improper weight distribution on a foot’s particular areas. Therefore, when the pain or swelling is persistent, undergoing a bunion surgery might be the best option to alleviate these symptoms.

Inability to find or wear shoes.
The size of a bunion affects the type of footwear an individual can wear. When looking for shoes, patients seek footwear that provides comfort, do not squeeze the bunions, and fit the foot correctly.

Bunions make it challenging to find shoes since it changes the shoes’ shape, making it impracticable to donate or resell. Therefore, patients that do not find a shoe that will fit their bunion-affected foot will resort to the removal through surgery.

Limited motion
Bunions can affect an individual’s quality of life and limit their ability to walk, swim, jog, or run. Large bunions can limit the movement of feet, making it difficult to achieve full capacity when carrying out the mentioned activities.

Furthermore, weight on the bunion for extended periods promote a slow onset of crippling even when the patient wears comfortable shoes. Therefore, unbearable discomfort or difficulty after considering non-surgical treatment options calls for removing the bunion through surgery.

Condition worsens.
When the symptoms of a bunion get worse, patients should consider undergoing surgery to avoid detrimental effects. One sign of worsening of a bunion is crowding, which describes a situation where the other toes apart from the big toe are pushed by the second toe. Such a situation affects the distribution of weight, arch strength, foot shape, and the ability to do specific activities.