As a podiatrist, I talk to patients about bunions all the time. But there’s something that surprises many of them:
I have a pretty significant bunion myself, and I haven’t had surgery.
Why? Because how a bunion looks isn’t the only factor that determines whether it needs surgery.
Here are the reasons I’ve chosen not to have mine surgically corrected.
1. My Bunion Doesn’t Hurt
For me, this is the biggest factor.
Despite how significant my bunion may look, I have no pain when I walk. Surgery is something I would consider if the bunion began affecting every step I took and causing persistent pain.
Right now, it doesn’t.
2. I’m Able to Keep It Stable
I wear a custom orthotic designed to help hold my foot and bunion in position. I use my orthotics consistently, including in many of the shoes I wear.
For me, conservative management has allowed me to continue moving comfortably without surgery.
3. I Have Very Little to No Arthritis
An X-ray can tell us much more about a bunion than appearance alone.
In my case, my X-rays show very little to no arthritis in the joint. That’s an important part of why I’m comfortable continuing to manage my bunion conservatively.
4. I Still Have Good Mobility
I also have full range of motion without pain.
That matters. When evaluating a bunion, I’m not only interested in what the foot looks like. I want to know how well the joint moves, whether there’s pain, and whether the bunion is interfering with the way you walk.
So, Does Every Bunion Need Surgery?
No.
A bunion can look significant without necessarily requiring surgery. The bigger questions are whether it hurts, whether there is arthritis, whether you still have good range of motion, and whether it is changing the way you move.
If your bunion is painful or causing you to compensate when you walk, have it evaluated by a podiatrist.
Is Your Bunion Changing the Way You Move?
Your feet are the foundation of your mobility. When foot pain changes your gait, the effects can extend beyond the foot itself.
The MobilityLongevityScore™ is an online Mobility Longevity Assessment designed to measure key areas of your mobility, balance, strength, and movement, including areas related to:
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You’ll receive a personalized plan designed to help you move better, stay stronger, and maintain your independence for years to come.
