Is It Time For Me To Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery For My Bunions?

If you have a bunion, you may be wondering if it is time to consider minimally invasive surgery to correct the problem. The decision about whether to perform surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, and has very little to do with your age or the size of the bunion.

Causes of Bunions

Bunions may be caused by heredity. If you have close relatives who have bunions, you are more likely to develop bunions. It may become irritated over time or appear red or callused.

They may also be caused by the type of footwear you choose. Tight shoes or ones with pointy toes tend to rub against your foot and create the perfect environment for bunions to develop over time.

Some bunions will progress quite quickly over time, while others take several years to develop. Some people only develop this condition in middle age or later, while others notice them at quite a young age.

When to Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery for a Bunion

The time to consider minimally invasive surgery for a bunion is when conservative treatment has been tried and has not brought relief from this condition. Non-surgical treatments that can be tried first include wearing wider shoes, using inserts (orthotics) in shoes and taking anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation in the big toe joint.

• Some reasons to consider bunion surgery include:

• Pain that is not alleviated with anti-inflammatory medication

• Difficulty finding shoes that fit over the bunion

• Pain at the ball of the foot

• Difficulty walking

• Bunion is becoming worse

You may also want to discuss having minimally invasive surgery for a bunion with your podiatrist because you are not happy with the appearance of the bunion.

If you are wondering whether it is time for you to consider minimally invasive surgery on your bunion, call Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M. to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation now.