If you’ve got a painful bump on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe, you’ve probably got a bunion. Bunions tend to form over many years. The longer the deformity progresses, the more likely you’ll need surgery. If the idea of bunion surgery frightens you, Montgomery County podiatrists Heidi M. Christie, DPM and Chanda L. Day-Houts, DPM are here to reassure you that surgery is a safe, effective alternative to living with the pain of bunions.

Asking questions like these can help turn vague notions about bunion surgery into reassuring facts:

1. Is surgery really necessary? This is a question only you can answer. Consider how much your bunion is limiting you. If it’s really painful to walk, you’re not able to wear the kinds of shoes you’d like to wear, and you’re longing to return to dancing, running, or doing yoga – activities that you find too painful to do with a bunion – then surgery is a viable option. Consider this as well: other foot problems can develop from an untreated bunion, including painful corns from toes rubbing together, joint inflammation, hammertoes, and ball of foot pain.
2. What kind of surgery will you do?
   The type of surgery we perform depends on how severe your bunion deformity is. Options for a mild bunion include shaving off some of the protruding bone and realigning the joint. More advanced bunions may require us to remove pieces of bone and insert pins or screws.
3. How long will my recovery take?
   Recovery time depends on how extensive your surgery is and whether or not you’ve had local or general anesthesia. Discuss your particular case with Dr. Christie and Dr. Day-Houts.
4. Will my toe be as good as new after the surgery?
   A bunionectomy relieves pain by correcting the misaligned joint. You’ll get the best results by following our post-surgery instructions, which may include using crutches, wearing a boot, wearing orthotic inserts, and going to physical therapy.

When non-surgical treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medication, wide shoes, bunion cushions, and orthotics no longer do the trick, consider surgery to relieve debilitating bunion pain. Call Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, Alabama at (334) 396-3668 or contact us online for an appointment.