Bunions FAQs

What is a bunion?

A bunion, simply put, is a bump at the base of the big toe. It can be caused by a condition called hallux valgus, or by arthritis (hallux rigidus)

Should I worry about my bunion?

If your bunion doesn’t hurt, there is nothing to worry about. If it hurts to walk on it, treatment can be helpful.

Do those bunion straps I see on advertisements work?

Unfortunately, no, they won’t straighten your toe. Some products can decrease discomfort while wearing shoes. You can certainly experiment with them.

Do bunions get worse over time?

While bunions do get worse over time, if they don’t hurt, there’s nothing to worry about.

When do I need bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery is worthwhile when your pain is bad enough to limit your walking.

What kinds of bunion surgery are there?

What kind of surgery you need depends on how severe your bunion is. All of these surgeries however require you to not use your surgical foot for about 6 weeks after surgery. Because of this, bunion surgery is more worthwhile when your pain is bad enough to limit your walking. See below for examples of different bunion surgeries:

Mild to moderate bunion: Chevron Bunionectomy

Moderate to severe bunion: Lapidus Bunionectomy

How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?

It will take at least three months before you can start to resume your normal activities, depending on what you’re trying to get back to.

Are there any things that I won’t be able to do after a bunion surgery?

You will not be prohibited from any activities after you have recovered, but if you’re trying to get back to running or high impact sports, it may take more than three months to achive those goals.

What’s the best advice for someone with a bunion?

Be nice to it, but if the pain is really cramping your lifestyle, surgery is an option!