Bunions are very common, and roughly a third of adults will get one. Also called hallux valgus, they develop over years, beginning with a slight bend and maturing – in some cases – into a painful deformity. While some patients are aware that they are developing a distinctive bump, others realize it suddenly. And no matter the degree of the bend or disfigurement, patients frequently ask me: should I get my bunion fixed? My answer is almost always: it depends.
There are lots of factors to consider. Some have to do with your foot, your age and external things, such as your level of activity. And all of them need to be carefully considered. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Bunion?
So, what exactly is that bump on your foot? Simply put: a bunion is a poor alignment of the joint at the base of the big toe where it joins your foot. A bunion’s characteristic lump is caused by bones pushing out against the skin.
When you have a bunion, the base of your big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint) gets larger and sticks out. The skin may be red and tender, and wearing any type of shoe may be painful. This joint flexes with every step you take, so the bigger your bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Bursitis (painful swelling with inflammation) may set in. Your big toe may angle toward your second toe or move all the way under it.
What Causes a Bunion?
While scientists have not found a clear cause of bunions, in general their origins tend to fall into two categories: a genetic predisposition and prolonged use of shoes that press against toes. Because tight footwear is a common cause, women tend to get bunions more frequently than men. Women’s shoes are traditionally designed with a narrow toe box. (High heels are a classic example.) And it’s worth noting people of all ages – teens, adults and older – get bunions.
Does a Bunion Hurt?
There is a spectrum of bunion-related symptoms. A bunion can be a slight misalignment of the big toe or an extreme bend. And in most cases, the degree of this tilt correlates with the level of pain a person experiences. When diagnosing the causes of discomfort associated with a bunion, there are other factors to consider, including:
- Activity level: such as running versus walking
- Body weight: a heavier person exerts more pressure on their feet than a lighter person
- Shoewear: a narrow shoe versus a wide shoe
Pressure from your big toe may force your second toe out of alignment, sometimes overlapping your third toe or the big toe. An advanced bunion may make your foot look deformed. If your bunion gets too severe, it may be difficult to walk. Your pain may become chronic and you may develop arthritis.
Will A Bunion Go Away?
While our body is great at healing itself, the answer is no, a bunion will not heal itself. There are a couple of factors to explain this. Over time, the foot has adjusted to the poor alignment of the big toe joint. Soft tissue and bones in the toe have adjusted to compensate for the bend, and they will not naturally return to their original position.
Why Fix A Bunion Now?
For many patients, gauging the severity of a bunion is tricky. Some patients arrive at my office with a slight bend and little-to-no discomfort. These are, for many people, minor symptoms that do not warrant surgery, which can be anxiety provoking. But there is a chance that the bunion will get worse over time, and those soft tissues that are stretched in the toe will continue to stretch, increasing both the degree of the bend and the pain it causes. Furthermore, an untreated bunion can lead to arthritis.
Treating a bunion now rather than later, presents a number of advantages. Our bodies change with age, and in many people their bones become weaker – raising surgery related risks – and it is common to gain weight. As we discussed above, a heavier person applies more pressure to their feet and this can increase discomfort as well as prolong the healing process after bunion corrective surgery. Naturally, age affects our bodies differently.
Common among people with a bunion is early fatigue from walking. Our bodies have evolved to walk in a way that conserves energy. And healthy feet are a part of that. Oftentimes, a person with a bunion will adjust their gait to work around the pain. This leads to a “labored” walk, which offers less motion and requires more energy. It is a lose-lose situation.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Fortunately, patients have a handful of treatments to address their bunion. Below is a short list of non-surgical options that can temporarily relieve mild pain and pressure:
- Wear roomy shoes that don’t squeeze your toes
- Use over-the-counter pads, taping and splints
- Take pain-relief medications, such as Aleve, Tylenol or Ibuprofen
- Get a cortisone shot
- Wear shoe inserts
- Apply ice
Frankel FastStep Bunion Surgery
Of course, there is no substitute for corrective surgery. And my Frankel FastStep Bunion Surgery is an innovative, pain-free bunion correction. My process starts with a careful diagnosis of your bunion and leads to a same-day surgery, during which we anesthetize your foot from the knee down. All it takes are three tiny incisions to remove the bunion growth and straighten the big toe. Why is this a superior method?
- It’s an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day
- Tiny incisions are less invasive, less painful and heal faster
- You get back to full function faster
- No failed surgeries
Make an appointment today at one of my three convenient locations in Milford, PA, Middletown, NY, and Warwick, NY. Let’s plan to perform a thorough diagnostic assessment and find the right bunion correction option for you. It’s no pain, all gain. You’ll get your mobility restored and your foot will look and feel better than you ever imagined.
