Do You Need Bunion Surgery?

“Want” and “need” can be two different things. Often people want something that they don’t need, or don’t want something that they do need. Some needs are obvious, like food, water, and shelter. Others are a little less obvious, such as when you need surgery to deal with bunion pain. Bunion surgery is a big step for relieving discomfort and correcting a deformity. Deciding if you need it is important before putting your foot through a big surgery.

When Do We Consider Bunion Surgery?

Like any other invasive procedure, bunion surgery is saved as a last resort to handle bunion pain. In many cases, it’s not necessary. Conservative, noninvasive methods alleviate pain while preventing the problem from worsening. There does come a point, however, when surgery is the best treatment for the condition.

Deciding whether you’ve reached that point can be nerve-wracking for some people. The good news is that you’re not making that decision alone. Experts like our team at The Kansas Foot Center will help you determine if it’s best for your foot. Here are a few factors to consider to help you decide if you need bunion surgery:

• Your pain level – You aren’t supposed to live in constant foot pain from your bunion. If you’re struggling with frequent and significant bunion-related pain, you may benefit from surgery.
• How effective other treatments are – Before surgery is even an option, you should try to control the problem with noninvasive methods, like shoe changes, orthotics, physical therapy, and more. If none of these efforts work and the condition continues to be a painful problem over time, you might need surgery.
• How the deformity impacts daily life – A bunion deformity can make it difficult to wear shoes, walk normally, or participate in certain activities. If that’s the case, the only way to eliminate the problem is through a procedure.

Help for Bunions in the Wichita Region

If your bunion is causing you pain and nothing seems to be helping, or the deformity is getting in the way of your daily life and activities, you should consider bunion surgery. It may be the best option for your lower limbs, allowing them to be restored to health. The Kansas Foot Center team is here to help you decide if this is the right step for your feet. Contact our Wichita, KS, office for more information or to schedule a consultation to evaluate your bunion. Contact us online or by calling (866) 222-5177 to reach us.