6 Myths About Bunion Surgery

A bunion is a structural problem of the big toe joint causing a boney prominence. Surgery is commonly performed to correct the problem. Some people simply avoid surgery because they may have “heard” some misnomers that guide their decision.

Surgery for bunions involves more than just simply shaving the boney protrusion. It typically requires that the deviated bones to be structurally realigned. Milder bunions are corrected with bone cuts close to the big toe joint. Larger bunions typically need a more “involved” bone cut or a fusion procedure to completely realign the structural problem. It takes approximately six weeks for the bones to mend in the corrected position.

Myth #1: Bunion Surgery Is Excruciatingly Painful

Bunion surgery is not particularly “more” painful than other surgeries. Foot surgery, in general, can lend itself to increased pain post-operatively because the foot is below the level of the heart and blood can rush to the area, causing a throbbing feeling. Also, the foot does not have much soft tissue surrounding the bones, so moderate postoperative swelling can aggravate the nerves, causing pain. Most patients find that the postoperative discomfort is tolerable with pain medication and a program dedicated to pain relief.

Myth #2: Bunions Come Back Even After Surgery

A majority of patients are satisfied with their outcome after bunion surgery. Recurrence is possible, but not particularly likely. And, return of a bunion is not necessarily a complication, but something that can happen over time. Some patients have excessive motion in the foot that may predispose them to recurrence. Another possible reason for recurrence occurs when a procedure that was performed did not best suit the severity of the particular bunion — so it’s important to have the surgery tailored for your particular bunion.

Myth #3: Bunion Surgery = Cast and Crutches

While this was true years ago, more modern techniques have allowed surgeons to mobilize patients quicker. Mild bunions typically involve walking in a surgical shoe for six weeks. Surgeons consider casting with crutches with larger bunions because setting the bones is more complex. Some surgeons have moved away from bone cuts and instead perform a fusion procedure that allows for realignment of the entire deviated bone. This fusion procedure is called the Lapidus Bunionectomy, and contemporary approaches allow for early protected walking at two weeks postoperatively. Recent technological advances in medical implant devices have also helped surgeons modify their techniques to get patients moving quicker.

Myth #4: You Have To Be Off Work

This is simply not true, and a function of the demands of your workplace. A patient can return to a sedentary desk job within two weeks of the surgery, and varies based on surgeon protocol and type of bunionectomy performed. Jobs that require excessive walking, standing and physical activity may require a medical leave of absence — which can be up to two months depending on healing and job requirements. Getting around can be difficult and driving may be off limits if you have your right foot operated on and/or drive a manual.

Myth #5: Don’t Fix A Bunion Unless Painful

The concern with surgically correcting a non-painful bunion is that the surgery can result in longstanding post-operative pain that may not have been there prior. However, people do have surgery for non-painful bunions if the bunion interferes with activity, continues to become larger, or if they have difficulty wearing certain shoes and/or if the bunion is simply unsightly. Surgeons strongly prefer (or require) that patients have a painful bunion before they consider surgery. Fortunately, pain is the most common reason people seek treatment.

Myth #6: Healing After Bunion Surgery Results In Unsightly Scars

Surgical healing is part of the process with any surgery, and bunion surgery is no different. Incisions can be minimized, or alternate surgical approaches may be used to hide surgical scars. Bunion incisions are either located on the top of the foot or on the side of the foot, and technique varies based on surgeon. A surgeon may perform a plastic surgery-type closure to keep scaring minimum. Patients can support the healing process with specific targeted dietary supplements to provide the building blocks for proper healing.

Bunion surgery, just like any surgery, has its share of myths. Because not all bunions are treated the same, information that may apply to someone with a large bunion may not apply to someone with a small bunion. Take the time to sort out what is truth vs. myth for your particular problem. Obtaining medical information from family, friends, coworkers and even the Internet will only help you make make an informed decision should you seek surgical advice.

– Dr. Blitz

If you have questions about this procedure or other podiatry services, call our office 909-579-3111 to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Podiatrist.  Don’t live with Pain.