Bunions form on the big toe and are caused by a rotational malalignment of the 1^st metatarsal.  They are usually inherited and can get bigger with time.  Many people will begin to find it difficult to wear shoes, exercise and walking will become painful.  I will discuss why many people decide to have bunion surgery below. 

Reduction of Pain/Discomfort

This is the most common reason patients seek to have bunion surgery.  Many experience pain with walking every day.  This can make even going to the store challenging.  The bunion gets bigger with time and creates more inflammation in the foot.  The surgery aims to realign the foot and reduce bunion pain.

Preventing Further Progression

Many know this well, but your bunion grows and the bone shifts farther out of place.  This can lead to other issues like hammer toes, flatfeet, and arthritis.  The goal of surgery is to stop the bunion from increasing in size and prevent the bunion from preventing more severe foot complications. 

Improving Foot Function

Bunions cause significant foot impairments and function.  This makes things like running and exercise difficult.  Surgery not only helps fix the appearance of the foot but the overall function.   The goal is to restore anatomical alignment and help the foot function in a more natural state. 

Newer Techniques

It is important to know that bunion surgery is not a one size fits all.  It should be customized to your foot structure.  Newer techniques are available that decrease healing times and allow early ambulation. 

Bunion surgery should not be taken lightly.  You should seek a skilled bunion surgeon and have questions ready to ask your surgeon.  If you would like a consultation for your bunion I can help.  Call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online.

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Issaquah’s Top Podiatrist & Bunion Surgeon

Bunion surgery provides great outcomes for patients that want relief from foot pain. Foot pain associated with a bunion can be very difficult to manage from a conservative standpoint. A lot of patients have tried getting bigger or wider shoes, which can create more room for the bunion to grow and make the situation worse. Patients will also apply pads, straps, splints or tape to the feet. This can be time consuming and cumbersome and again does nothing to fix or reverse the cause of bunions. The only way to actually fix the bunion is surgically. Bunion surgery has come a long way there are now new techniques we utilize to decrease down times and post-operative pain.

New techniques offer shorter recoveries and quicker returns to activity. Pain control can be challenging for both patients and physicians that are not as familiar as we are with modern techniques and medications. We use a long acting anesthetic to make the foot numb and prescribe different medications based on each individual patient and procedure performed. We have taken years to perfect our pain control regime and find the majority of our patient’s rate their pain as being well controlled. If you are contemplating bunion surgery come see us. With our pain control regime, onsite surgical center and years of experience this will create the best possible experience for you.

If you have bunion pain, give us a call today at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online.