Bunion Surgery: When Is It the Right Option for You?

If you have foot problems and deformities like bunions, your doctor usually recommends a noninvasive treatment to correct the foot's shape. But in some cases, bunions have advanced beyond exercise or wearing special shoes. Dr. Ann Wolford and Dr. Michael Willis can give you advice and help for bunions, including bunionectomy surgery, at Frontier Foot & Ankle Specialists in Kingsport, TN, also serving Johnson City & Bristol, TN.

What Are Bunions?

Bunions are round, bony lumps on the inner part of each foot located near the toes. If you’ve ever seen this type of deformity on the foot, you may have thought that it was some type of growth, but it is mostly existing bone that has been pushed out of place. Bunions also cause the toes to move closer together; in some cases, they can cause severe overlapping or underlapping.

Non-Invasive Solutions for Bunions

Since bunions are commonly caused by out-of-alignment toes, wearing toe spacers in mild cases can help. When they are more moderate to severe, your foot doctor may choose additional therapies like orthotic shoes, splinting, or corticosteroid injections for inflammation before exploring more invasive options.

When Is Bunion Surgery the Right Option?

After taking scans of your feet and toes, your Kingsport, Johnson City & Bristol, TN, doctor will be able to tell you if bunion surgery will be the best course of action. Patients who have had bunions for many years that have become rigid are most likely to benefit from a bunionectomy. When the pain is constant and limits your ability to walk, surgery could be the best option. During this procedure, the doctor will surgically remove excess bone tissue and put the toe bone back in proper alignment. You'll likely need to rest for a few weeks and wear a cast or brace to allow the foot to heal.

Have Your Bunions Examined

You don't have to continue to struggle with the aesthetic challenges and discomfort associated with bunions. Find out if bunion surgery is the right option for you when you visit Dr. Ann Wolford and Dr. Michael Willis at Frontier Foot & Ankle Specialists in Kingsport, TN, also serving Johnson City & Bristol, TN. Call (423) 722-5200 today for a foot exam.