A bunion is an uncomfortable, often painful, bump that forms on the inside of the foot, near the big toe. They tend to form slowly when pressure causes the big toe to point inward and slowly change the foot structure. Symptoms of bunions include tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in the big toe. This can lead to problems walking. Because women usually wear tighter, less supportive shoes, they statistically experience more bunions. In addition to pain, bunions can also be unsightly, which is another reason many people affected by bunions decide to have bunion treatment in the form of surgery to remove it. If you are considering bunion surgery, make sure you research bunion surgery photos to know what to expect.

Home Treatment

Are you wearing shoes that fit properly? Shoes that are too tight squeeze the foot, so make sure your shoes are roomy enough for your feet. This is often the cause of bunions, although they can also be hereditary.

It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight and keep your body in good shape. If you feel pain when you walk, try buying a gel-filled pad from the drugstore that you can insert into your shoes. If your bunion only hurts every once and a while, you can try using pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the occasional pain. Ice packs, warm soaks, and foot massages are another option.

However, if you are experiencing daily pain, you will want to consult your Los Angeles foot surgeon. Inform him or her that your bunion is getting in the way of your daily life.

Consult Your Foot Doctor

If the aforementioned treatments didn’t relieve pain, you may want to consult your foot surgeon or doctor. There are shoe inserts that can help make sure your foot is in the correct position, which your doctor can show you how to use properly. Your doctor may also advise you to wear an insert at night while you sleep.

If you’ve attempted each at-home remedy and your bunion is still causing you serious discomfort, you will likely consider surgery. Your doctor will refer you to a specialized doctor, or you can search for one yourself. Jamfeet is a great foot surgery practice in the Los Angeles area. Make sure to check out our bunion surgery photos!

Know What to Expect from Bunion Surgery

While the surgery only takes an hour, the full recovery process can take between six months to one year, according to the University of Michigan Medicine department. For the first six weeks to two months, you won’t be able to put weight on your foot, and will likely need a walking cast or splint. A cast or specialized shoe may be used for a few months throughout the healing process. Some people who have a more sedentary lifestyle may be able to return to their normal activities after a few months.

However, if you are constantly on your feet, you may need to stay off your feet longer than a few months. This will ensure you fully heal before becoming as active as you were prior to the surgery.

If your bunion pain isn’t that intense, you may want to continue with home remedies and hope that it improves in time. You can always opt for surgery if things don’t get better. Surgeries almost always come with risks, and although unlikely, it is possible for bunions to return after surgery. Despite this, if you constantly have problems due to your bunions, getting the surgery sooner may be a better option. Once healed, surgery will make walking easier and improve your overall lifestyle.

If you have questions about whether bunion surgery is right for you, reach out to Dr. Jamshidinia and discuss your options.