Understanding Bunion Treatment and Surgery

Understanding Bunion Treatment and Surgery: Your Path to Pain-Free Steps

Bunions are a common foot problem that can cause serious discomfort and limit your daily activities. If you’re struggling with bunion pain, you’re not alone — and there are effective solutions available. At Shasta Orthopaedics in Redding, we’re committed to helping you find the right path toward relief, whether that’s non-surgical treatment or advanced bunion surgery.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Over time, this joint can become misaligned, causing the big toe to point toward the other toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking.

Common causes include:

1. Genetics
2. Poor footwear choices
3. Foot injuries
4. Arthritis

Without proper treatment, bunions can worsen and significantly impact your quality of life.

Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment Options

Early-stage bunions can often be managed without surgery. At Shasta Orthopaedics, we personalize your treatment plan based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

Non-surgical options may include:

1. Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the bunion
2. Footwear modifications to provide more room for your toes
3. Padding and taping to reduce pain and prevent further deformity
4. Anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling
5. Physical therapy to strengthen foot muscles and improve alignment

If non-surgical methods aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, surgery might be the best next step.

When Is Bunion Surgery Recommended?

Bunion surgery is typically recommended when:

1. Pain persists despite non-surgical treatment
2. You have difficulty walking or participating in everyday activities
3. Severe deformity affects your foot’s function
4. Chronic inflammation and swelling do not improve with rest or medications

At Shasta Orthopaedics, our experienced foot and ankle specialists use advanced surgical techniques to correct the bunion and restore your foot’s natural alignment. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after surgery.

What to Expect from Bunion Surgery

Our team will discuss all your surgical options and create a customized plan based on your specific condition. Most bunion surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery times can vary depending on the severity of the bunion and the type of procedure performed.

Typical recovery includes:

1. Rest and elevation immediately after surgery
2. Gradual return to weight-bearing activities
3. Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
4. Ongoing support from our orthopaedic team to ensure optimal healing

Your comfort and long-term success are our top priorities.

Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Bunionette

While bunions affect the big toe, “bunionettes” — also known as tailor’s bunions — occur on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. They can cause similar symptoms and often require similar treatments. If you’re experiencing pain on the outer edge of your foot, be sure to check out our guide to understanding and treating bunionettes.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to live with bunion pain. Whether you’re exploring non-surgical options or considering surgery, the foot and ankle specialists at Shasta Orthopaedics are here to help you walk comfortably again.