Bunions can be a painful and frustrating condition to deal with, causing many people to consider bunion surgery as a solution. However, there’s a common question that arises for those who suffer from bunions: Can you wait too long to have bunion surgery? In this blog post, we’ll discuss when it might be appropriate to schedule bunion surgery, the non-cosmetic reasons for pursuing this treatment, and the consequences of waiting too long.
When to Have Bunion Surgery
When deciding if it’s time to have bunion surgery, it’s important to understand that this procedure is not simply done for cosmetic reasons. Although the appearance of a bunion may be a concern, the primary goal of bunion surgery is to relieve pain, improve function, and correct any underlying deformity that may be causing the issue.
There are a few key factors that can help determine if it’s time to consider bunion surgery:
- Severity of pain: If you’re experiencing consistent pain that interferes with your daily activities, it might be time to consider surgery.
- Conservative treatments: If you’ve tried non-surgical treatments, such as orthotics, padding, or anti-inflammatory medications, with little to no improvement, surgery may be a viable option.
- Progression of deformity: If the bunion continues to worsen or cause other complications, such as hammertoes, surgery may be necessary to address these issues.
To better understand your options and determine the best course of action, it’s important to consult with a qualified foot and ankle specialist.
Bunion Surgery: Not Just for Cosmetic Reasons
As mentioned earlier, bunion surgery is not performed solely for cosmetic purposes. The main goal is to address the root cause of the bunion and alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with it. This can involve realigning the bones in the foot, removing excess tissue, or even fusing joints together to provide better stability. Although there is a cosmetic component to the procedure, this should never be the deciding factor to proceed.
The Consequences of Waiting Too Long
While it’s understandable that some people may be hesitant to undergo surgery, waiting too long to address a bunion can lead to more complications. As the bunion worsens, it can become increasingly difficult to find comfortable footwear, and the deformity may progress to the point where non-surgical treatments are no longer effective. Additionally, delaying surgery can result in a more complex procedure, which may lead to a longer recovery period.
Preparing for Bunion Surgery
Once you and your doctor have determined that bunion surgery is the best course of action, it’s important to prepare for the procedure. Our blog post, “5 Tips for Preparing for Bunion Surgery”, offers valuable advice on how to get ready for your upcoming surgery, helping to ensure a smoother recovery process.
In conclusion, waiting too long to have bunion surgery can lead to more severe complications and a potentially more complex procedure. By consulting with a foot and ankle specialist, you can determine the best course of action for your specific situation and ultimately improve your quality of life.
FAQs
So to answer the question of whether or not you can delay your bunion operation, it really depends on the severity of your condition. If your doctor believes that surgery is the best option, it's best not to put off that operation for too long, because it will only serve to hurt your long-term outcomes.
When is it too late for bunion surgery? ›
Sometimes, bunions can be painful, especially if they're large enough to rub against the shoe. There's no cut-and-dry rule regarding an age limit for bunion surgery.
What happens if you delay bunion surgery? ›
Increased Pain
In some cases, the nerves become damaged and cause numbness. If you refuse to seek bunion treatment, the pain will likely worsen, especially if you continue to wear ill-fitting shoes. The longer you put off bunion treatment, the higher the chances the pain and discomfort will increase over time.
How bad do bunions have to be before surgery? ›
You may need bunion surgery if you have severe foot pain that happens even when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines.
Is it better to wait on bunion surgery? ›
While it's best to get bunion surgery early before the foot becomes misaligned, many people tend to ignore their bunion when it isn't causing pain. Once your bunion begins to be painful even when you use bunion pain relief methods, it is time to consider bunion surgery.
What will happen if I don't get bunion surgery? ›
If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage.
Can you be too old for bunion surgery? ›
Depending on the procedure and mobility limitations, pre-op discussions about a patient's home situation and potential support group may be necessary. For the most part, an active, healthy patient can recover from bunion surgery regardless of age.
What is the new procedure for bunions? ›
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.
Why is bunion surgery not recommended? ›
Unfortunately, the surgery can leave you worse off than before you had the surgery, which can mean more pain, swelling, and disability. Infection is another serious risk associated with bunion surgery. Infections can be severe and can lead to serious complications, such as amputation of the affected toe.
Is there an alternative to bunion surgery? ›
However, there are many nonsurgical treatments for bunion pain you can do at home, including taking over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), applying heat and ice, and wearing special footwear and orthotics.
Are You a Candidate for Surgery? In general, if your bunion is not painful, you do not need surgery. Although bunions often get bigger over time, doctors do not recommend surgery to prevent bunions from worsening.
What does a severe bunion look like? ›
The signs and symptoms of a bunion include: A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe. Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint. Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other.
How do you know it's time for bunion surgery? ›
1. You experience persistent pain. One of the most telling signs is dealing with pain that doesn't improve with non-surgical treatments. If your bunion pain limits your activities, affects your quality of life, and persists despite trying various conservative measures, surgery might be the next step.
