When Do Bunions Require Surgery?

When a bunion first develops, it’s usually little more than an annoyance. As time progresses, though, that bony bump at the base of your big toe can get more pronounced. 

That growing bump is a sign that the joints in your toe are getting more and more misaligned. Eventually, the bunion can make it painful to walk and difficult to find shoes that fit.

Fortunately, here at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, Benjamin Clair, DPM, offers a variety of treatments for bunions. In fact, here at our office, he tailors the treatment to your specific foot and what you need to reclaim your mobility. 

In some cases, that means bunion surgery. In others, though, more conservative options deliver the effective treatment you need. 

Exploring other treatment options first

Dr. Clair doesn’t recommend surgery right out of the gate. Instead, he explores other treatment options with you first to find which one(s), if any, will work for your bunion. Usually, the earlier you seek treatment, the more likely you are to find relief with a nonsurgical option. 

To personalize your treatment to you, this whole process starts with Dr. Clair asking you questions about your symptoms, how your bunion affects you, and your family and personal medical history.

He also employs tools like a weight-bearing X-ray to get a clear idea of what’s going on with your toe. 

Dr. Clair then recommends specific treatment depending on how far the bunion has progressed. That might mean:

• Different shoes
• Wearing padded cushions to protect the bunion
• Adding padded inserts to your shoes
• Using ice or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to address inflammation

If conservative treatments don’t bring you relief, Dr. Clair initiates the conversation about surgery. 

When a bunion does need surgery

Dr. Clair doesn’t recommend surgery until you’ve exhausted your other treatment options. If you’re still in pain even with footwear adjustments, medication, and other changes, it’s time to think about bunion correction surgery. 

Fortunately, if you do need this procedure, you’re in good hands. Dr. Clair is an extensively trained, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. He uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, which means he can perform your bunion correction through tiny incisions. This reduces your risk of complications and shortens your recovery period.  

Ultimately, Dr. Clair only explores bunion surgery when you’ve tried other treatment options first. The sooner you start getting treatment for a bunion, the higher the likelihood that more conservation options will bring you relief. 

In other words, if you have a bunion, don’t wait to see Dr. Clair. Call our office or request your appointment online today.