Bunion Surgery: Causes and Treatments - UChicago Medicine (2024)

FAQs

What is the root cause of bunions? ›

Bunions are usually caused by prolonged pressure put on the feet that compresses the big toe and pushes it toward the second toe. Over time, the condition may become painful as extra bone grows where the base of the big toe meets the foot.

Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. Other reasons for surgery include toe deformity, a drifting in of the big toe toward the small toe, and an inability to bend and straighten the big toe.

The first reason to avoid bunion surgery is the length of time it takes to recover. The recovery process can take up to six months before you're feeling back to normal. During that time, you may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Some insurance companies will only cover the procedure if you have a severe bunion, or if it is impacting other medical conditions. You will also need your podiatrist to certify that the procedure is medically necessary.

You may feel numbness, tingling, or burning in your toe. You may still have pain and swelling, especially if you don't wear roomy shoes. Even after surgery, your foot may not look completely normal. All surgery has risks, including bleeding, nerve damage, and infection.

Sustained, extensive damage from an untreated bunion may cause the cartilage of the joint in your big toe to deteriorate and become inflamed causing osteoarthritis. It can also cause inflammation and swelling of the fluid-filled sac called bursae. These sacs act as cushions between the bones.

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone. First, it corrects the sideways lean of your metatarsal bone.

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.

Is 65 too old for bunion surgery? ›

Patients commonly ask if they are too old for bunion surgery. The answer to this complex question is largely based on individual risk factor assessment. Advanced age alone does not preclude bunion surgery but certain age-related conditions can increase the likelihood of compromised healing and poor outcome.

At UT Southwestern and many other U.S. hospitals, bunions can be corrected through a method called the modified Lapidus procedure, in which surgeons straighten and fuse the misaligned bones making up the first tarsometatarsal joint. However, in about 10% of these surgeries, the bones don't permanently fuse.

Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.

The most common causes of extra pressure on your big toe joint include: Wearing narrow or pointed shoes that crowd your toes (shoes with a narrow toe box). The way you walk (your foot mechanics). Health conditions that cause inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.

Bunions can become so painful that wearing shoes or even walking is difficult. Bunions can be prevented, but once they develop they can't be reversed.

Bunions are often hereditary. Even if you don't wear high heels or ill fitting shoes, you may still be genetically predisposed to develop bunions if your parents or grand parents have or have ever had them.