Is Bunion Surgery Worth It?
What is a Bunion?
Firstly, we need to identify what bunions are and how they are formed. A bunion, also known as Hallux Vulgus, is a foot condition where a bone-like bump forms on the outer edge of your big toe. This is caused when your big toe joint bends and pushes towards your smaller toes.
This causes a bone-like bump to protrude out on the base of the big toe, causing painful tissue (although not all bunions cause pain). Shoes for bunions can often be difficult to find as you need to find a shoe that has enough room in the toe box area, but fortunately Sole Bliss has designed a full collection of shoes, trainers and heels for women with bunions and foot problems.
Sole Bliss has created the perfect shoes for bunions and wide feet, so if your bunions are causing you pain, Sole Bliss shoes may be the answer you are looking for! We are going to discuss all the bunion treatment options available and answer the question: does bunion surgery work?
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What Causes Bunions?
A bunion is a bony lump which forms at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe moves inwards towards the second toe, as the first metatarsal shifts outwards towards the opposite foot.
The main causes of bunions are genetics, biomechanics, pregnancy, obesity and poorly-fitting footwear. Follow this link to read more about how bunions form. If you are one of the millions of women looking for bunion relief, then read on to learn what the best ways are to treat bunions without surgery.
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What Are the Symptoms of Bunions?
Bunions, bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, may cause pain, swelling, redness, a bulging big toe, corns, calluses, and reduced mobility. Symptoms can vary in severity, and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if you suspect a bunion or experience these issues for a proper diagnosis and treatment guidance.
What Does Bunion Surgery Do?
Bunion surgery, or a bunionectomy, is a medical procedure designed to alleviate pain and correct deformities associated with bunions. It involves the removal of the bony protrusion and realignment of the affected toe, restoring its proper position and function.
Bunion surgery can provide relief from pain, improve the appearance of the foot, and enhance mobility, allowing you to resume normal activities with more comfort and a reduced risk of complications.
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What are the different types of bunion surgery?
There are over 100 different types of bunion surgery that you could opt for, we have chosen the most common and practical surgeries:
Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and realigning the bone to correct the bunion's angle and position.
Exostectomy: It focuses on removing the bony bump from the joint without altering the toe's alignment.
Arthrodesis: This surgical method fuses the joint to relieve pain and correct the deformity. It's typically used for severe bunions.
Resection Arthroplasty: In this procedure, a portion of the joint is removed, particularly for severe bunions in older patients.
Lapidus Procedure: Reserved for more complex cases, it involves fusing the joint at the base of the first metatarsal bone.
The choice of bunion surgery type depends on the severity of the bunion and the specific needs of the patient, and it should be determined in consultation with a medical professional.
Is Bunion Surgery Worth It?
This will be different for every individual as surgery is not always 100% effective. The decision to undergo bunion surgery depends on factors like pain severity, bunion condition, and non-surgical attempts for relief. Realistic expectations are essential, as surgery may not yield perfect results.
Understanding potential risks, recovery, and consulting with a healthcare provider are key. Ultimately, the choice to have surgery should be made thoughtfully, considering how the bunion affects your daily life and well-being.
Pros of Bunion Surgery?
The biggest benefit of bunion correction surgery is that it relieves pain. As we know bunions can cause immense pain and often disturb your daily life. Bunion surgery often is the best way to relieve pain and problems caused from bunions. It is said that bunion surgery is the most effective way to treat pain caused by bunions.
Most patients who have had bunion surgery say that it helped to end their agonising pain. As already pointed out, a significant number of people have a painful bunion and as a result, may tend to shy away from removing shoes in public. Surgery can help you become comfortable with your feet once again.
Wearing the correct footwear for bunions is essential, however bunion surgery can often decrease pain levels and will help you get back on your feet, whilst also preventing the development of other foot problems like bone spurs or hammer toes.
Another pro of bunion surgery is that it may help increase your psychical activity. If you suffer from extremely painful bunions, it can be difficult to proceed with everyday tasks such as walking to the shops and everyday chores. As we all know, increasing your psychical activity can improve your mental health and wellbeing!
Cons of Bunion Surgery?
When making the decision to go through with bunion surgery, it is important to know the risks and cons of bunions surgery. Like most surgeries, the post-op recovery is often quite painful and the recovery time is longer than you might think.
Although bunion surgery offers several advantages, you should be open to the downsides that may result undertaking this operation as not all bunion procedures are successful.
Recovery could take up to 6 months, limiting your mobility. You need to consider whether you currently have time to undergo bunion surgery. Is bunion surgery worth it right now? The surgery will prevent you from wearing your usual shoes as the healing progresses.
There is a chance that the bunion surgery may not be successful. It is also very common for bunions to grow back after bunion surgery. This is something we hear a lot from our Sole Bliss customers who still require shoes for bunions after their surgery.
During the healing process, you may also be limited in which footwear you can wear. The swelling from surgery can last a considerably long time. It is important to find some styles that offer a wide fit and soft uppers for comfort.
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How Well Does Bunion Surgery Work?
The success of bunion surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surgery performed, the skill of the surgeon, and the patient's individual circumstances. Here are some general considerations:
Pain Relief: Bunion surgery is often successful in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with bunions. Many patients experience significant pain reduction after the procedure.
Better Function: The surgery can improve the function and alignment of the affected toe, enhancing mobility and making it easier to wear a wider range of footwear.
Cosmetic Finish : While bunion surgery can improve the appearance of the foot, it may not always result in perfectly aligned or cosmetically flawless feet. The extent of cosmetic improvement can vary.
Long-Term Success: The long-term success of bunion surgery depends on factors like the type of surgery performed, post-operative care, and the patient's commitment to following recommended lifestyle changes. Potential
Complications: Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with bunion surgery, including infection, recurrence of the bunion, and nerve damage.
Patient Satisfaction: Ultimately, the satisfaction of the patient plays a significant role in assessing the success of the surgery. Some patients are very satisfied with the results, while others may have more mixed experiences.
Recovery: If you are an avid high heel wearer, the recovery process from bunion surgery may determine your next footwear choices. Possibly keeping your collection to lower heels and comfortable flat shoes with a deep and wide toe box to prevent further discomfort and pain is advised.
It's important to discuss your individual case, expectations, and concerns with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon.
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What are the Risks of Bunion Surgery?
Bunion surgery is generally safe and effective however like all surgeries, it does carry certain risks. Potential complications include infection at the surgical site, nerve damage that may result in numbness or altered sensation in the toe, overcorrection or under correction of the bunion deformity, delayed bone healing or being unable to heal, and the possibility of the bunion returning.
Additionally, there can be scarring, stiffness in the toe joint, and prolonged post-operative swelling. These risks vary in likelihood depending on the type of surgery, the skill of the surgeon, and the patient's adherence to post-operative care instructions. It's important to discuss these risks thoroughly with your doctor before deciding to undergo bunion surgery.
Alternatives to Bunion Surgery?
If you are dealing with the pain of a bunion, you may be wondering if surgery is the best option. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to bunion surgery. The best way to look after your bunions is to wear the correct footwear. Sole Bliss specializes in comfortable, stylish shoes for bunions, so please do explore our collection.
There are other alternatives to bunion surgery. Splinting or bracing can reduce pain and swelling, while physical therapy can enhance mobility and strength in the big toe joint. Injections of cortisone or other medications can help alleviate inflammation and pain.
Custom orthotics and extra toe padding can also provide relief. These non-surgical approaches offer options for individuals who may not be comfortable with the idea of undergoing bunion surgery. To find more information on non surgical treatments, please read our 10 Best Ways to Treat Bunions Without Surgery blog!
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Choosing The Right Shoes Can Make a Big Difference!
The right shoes for bunions should feature a wide and deep toe box and a soft leather lining to comfort and cushion your bunions. When choosing the best shoes for bunions you should also look for a style that offers a square, round or almond toe shape. These toe shapes can accommodate more room in terms of width and depth, resulting in space for your bunions.
When recovering from bunion correction surgery, it is extremely important to find shoes that offer high quality cushioning underneath your foot. All Sole Bliss shoes feature 3 Layers of Memory-Foam cushioning to contour around your foot to provide custom support and cushioning.
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Looking When looking for the shoes for post-bunion surgery, it is important to wear low shoes which offer plenty of support. This is to decrease the chances of damaging your big toe joint and improve of the motion of the joint once healed.
Looking for shoes with arch support is essential when choosing the best shoes for bunion correction surgery. Arch support helps to hold your foot in the correct position and prevent over-pronation. Over-pronation is the inward rolling of your foot as you walk, and this type of biomechanics is a key contributing factor to bunion formation.
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