Understanding the Signs That Your Bunion Requires Surgical Assistance

If you have bunions on your feet, then you may be able to work with a podiatrist to reduce the size and appearance of the toe formations. You may need to wear wide shoes so you can reduce the pressure on the toes and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed as well. Icing the area may be a good choice also to keep swelling down.

While these things can help to minimize your discomfort and can keep bunions from worsening, you may need surgical intervention to completely repair the issue. There are a few signs that you may need the surgery. Keep reading to learn about a few.

Your Big Toe Sits Under Your Other Toes

If you notice that your big toe has migrated or angled so it sits underneath the other toes, then this is a significant sign that surgery is likely needed to repair the bunion problem. This type of issue describes a severely damaged bone and joint. There are over 100 types of surgeries that can be completed to repair or remove bunions. Basically, the procedure is completed with your distinct medical problem in mind. However, the operation will likely involve the partial or full removal of the metatarsal head, the realignment of the soft tissues, and the placement of hardware like screws and pins in the toe. 

In some cases, severe bunions will require fusions where the bones of the two are fused together at the joint. This only happens in situations where the joint is so damaged that it cannot be saved or repaired. You should understand that this sort of advanced and invasive surgery does not necessarily prevent a new bunions from forming. You will need to work with your podiatrist on a plan to keep your feet as healthy as possible. 

You Experience Large Amounts of Pain

If your bunion is extremely painful, then this is a sign that you may need surgery. Bunions that are painful to small amounts of pressure like a simple touch of the hand are in need of advanced assistance. While some bunions may develop due to the swelling of the bursa sac, other appear due to the presence of bony growths. Bony growths appear around the outside of the joint as pressure and stress are placed against your foot. Growths are typically smooth across the surface, but they do cause a great deal of pain. 

Pain is also a sign that there is a good deal of soft tissue damage. This type of damage as well as significant bone growths can be seen on both x-ray and MRI images. If you want to see the damage or understand how a normal joint or tow bone is supposed to look, speak with resources like Richard Moy DPY INC about this.