5 Signs It May Be Time to Consider Bunion Surgery

Bunions are a common foot deformity that affects about one in three adults in the United States. While anyone can develop this painful bony bump along the outer base of the big toe, being female, spending plentiful time on your feet, and genetic factors raise your risk. 

If you haven’t found relief through conservative care measures, you may be a candidate for bunion surgery. Also known as a bunionectomy, this procedure removes the problematic bump to ease your symptoms.

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, specializes in bunion care. If you’re bothered by your bunion, the following signs may indicate it’s time to consider surgical treatment.

1. Bunion pain interferes with your life

When you have a bunion, the misaligned joint can put pressure on nerves or fuel inflammation. Both scenarios cause varying degrees of pain. Intense or long-lasting bunion pain can make it difficult to go about your daily life with ease.

While mild to moderate bunion pain that occasionally flares can often be minimized with lifestyle changes or conservative treatment, intense pain may indicate the need for surgery. 

2. Your pain seems to be getting worse

Worsening bunion pain is another potential sign it’s time for surgery. This is especially true if lifestyle changes don’t improve matters. If you stop wearing high heels or narrow shoes, yet your bunion pain continues to intensify, for example, surgical correction may be in order. 

Bunion pain may intensify with increasing age as well. That’s one reason bunion surgeries are more common during middle age.

3. You struggle to find comfortable shoes

If the bone on the side of your toe has an angle of 15 degrees or more, you meet the diagnostic criteria for a bunion. A 20-40 degree angle indicates a moderate bunion. Beyond 40 degrees, you’re probably having a difficult time finding shoes that fit well. 

In that case, surgery may be your best bet for comfort and ease, as well as to prevent the worsening of your bunion caused by tight-fitting shoes.

4. Conservative treatments haven’t sufficed

Surgery isn’t usually the first line of defense for bunion issues. If you’ve tried conservative treatments — such as custom orthotics, rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medicine — and you continue to struggle with symptoms, Dr. Kosari may recommend surgery.

5. You’re at risk for complications

Without effective care, severe bunions can pave the way to bothersome complications. Untreated bunions raise your risk for arthritis (joint degeneration and inflammation), bursitis (inflamed fluid sacs), hammertoes (deformed middle toe joints), and metatarsalgia (chronic pain and swelling). 

If you’re at risk, surgery can help prevent these complications, saving you from years of increasing pain and impaired mobility. If you’re already dealing with such a condition, bunion surgery can likely help slow its progression.

Schedule your bunion evaluation today 

To get started with personalized bunion treatment, with or without surgery, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.