When they first start developing, bunions typically don’t present any significant issues, medically speaking. Bunions are progressive, however, and left untreated, they can quickly pose more serious concerns in several areas, including comfort and aesthetics.
At Neuhaus Foot and Ankle, our team of podiatric specialists understands well the line that bunions can cross — from a minor nuisance to an issue that can, quite literally, hobble you. If you’re dealing with growing bunions, here’s a look at some of the telltale signs that surgery may present your best solution.
Bunions are progressive, which means they won’t get better, only worse.
Bunions are caused by a structural problem in your foot that allows the long bone in your metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) to move out of alignment, toward the inside of your foot. As this bone moves, it causes your big toe to angle toward your other toes and, in severe cases, your big toe can move over or under your second toe.
As the bones in your MTP joint shift, they also create the hallmark bump at the base of your big toe, which can become even larger when inflammation sets in.
In most cases, this structural issue is exacerbated by your footwear, which is why women are far more prone to bunions than men — women often wear heels with pointy toe boxes that cram their toes.
As we’ve stressed, bunions are progressive, which means that early intervention is essential. One of the first steps toward halting a bunion is to change your footwear to allow your toes more room to spread out. As well, you may benefit from orthotics, which can help rebalance the structures in your feet.
Unfortunately, many people don’t catch bunions in time to prevent them from becoming a comfort, logistical, or aesthetic problem.
There are many reasons why people come to us for bunion surgery, but the most common are:
When a bunion becomes inflamed, even the slightest pressure on the bony protrusion can cause considerable pain, making wearing shoes nearly impossible. As well, bursitis can develop in the joint, further adding to your discomfort.
As your feet reshape themselves, you may find yourself with a closet full of shoes you can no longer wear.
Another reason why our patients seek bunion surgery is that they’re displeased with the appearance of their bunions.
The bottom line is that the decision to remedy problematic bunions surgically depends upon your unique situation and goals. For our part, we fully evaluate your bunions and provide you with everything you need to know about bunion surgery so that you can make an informed decision.
If you’d like to learn more about whether bunion surgery may be the best solution for your feet, contact one of our locations in Hermitage, Brentwood, Nashville, Mount Juliet, Gallatin, Waverly, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, or Lebanon, Tennessee.
