When you notice a bony bump sticking out beneath the base of your big toe, you probably have a bunion. That bump is the result of your big toe bone rotating inward toward your smaller toes, pushing its base outward. Many patients experience pain and difficulty wearing shoes when bunions are large. While non-invasive treatments can help reduce discomfort and prevent bunion progression, only surgery can remove the bump and restore your foot’s original silhouette. Now, there are different approaches to the surgical removal of bunions. And, in this post, we explain when you can choose minimally invasive bunion surgery over an open surgical procedure.
Can you correct bunions without surgery? ![minimally invasive bunion surgery]()
Non-surgical treatments for bunions focus on managing pain and preventing progression. (A small bunion will grow larger without intervention.) Options include changing your shoes to select pairs with wider toe boxes, or padding the bunion to reduce rubbing, pain and inflammation. If you wear custom orthotics, you can optimize your foot’s alignment and function, reducing pressure on your toes. In turn, you should be able to prevent a small bunion from growing larger. However, you can not correct a bunion without a surgical procedure.
When should you schedule bunion surgery?
Not everyone who develops a bunion will need surgery. If you notice a bunion when it’s first developing, Powder Springs podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans can often prevent its progression with non-invasive treatment options. However, if bunions are large, inflamed or painful, you will probably need to schedule surgery in order to find relief. And, at that point, you will need to choose your procedure approach: an open or minimally invasive surgery for bunion removal.
What is minimally invasive bunion surgery?
When correcting a bunion using a minimally invasive approach, Dr. Cowans uses specialized surgical tools and imaging guidance that allow him to make smaller incisions in your foot. Afterwards, you should have less pain and swelling. You will likely be able to bear weight (in a walking boot) fairly soon after your procedure. Scarring will be minimal and your return to full activities will happen sooner than it would following traditional surgery.
Is minimally invasive bunion surgery better?
Advantages of minimally invasive bunion surgery include reduced pain and swelling and minimal scarring. Recovery time is faster and you may be walking with a surgical boot within days of your procedure. Your return to full activity will also be faster than if you undergo traditional surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery is not the best approach for every patient seeking bunion correction.
An open surgical approach may be a better option for you if your deformity is severe or if you are correcting additional concerns, such as hammertoes, at the same time. Furthermore, if your joint is unstable or if you have arthritis, open surgery may be a better choice than minimally invasive bunion surgery. When you come into the office for a surgical consultant, Dr. Cowans will conduct a thorough exam and medical history, and help determine if you’re a candidate for the minimally invasive surgical approach.
What to expect from your recovery
After minimally invasive bunion surgery, you will likely be walking on the day of your surgery or shortly afterward, but you will need to wear a surgical or walking boot. Within 1-2 weeks of surgery, you may be able to walk with supportive athletic shoes. After about 6 weeks, you should be cleared for most footwear, and may be able to resume light exercise. At about the 12-week mark following your surgery, you should be cleared for all activities, including higher impact exercises.
Will my bunions come back after minimally invasive surgery?
There is a risk of bunions returning after any kind of surgery, unless you address the underlying forces that caused the deformity in the first place. For this reason, we will likely recommend wearing custom orthotics after you undergo minimally invasive bunion surgery. These medical-grade shoe inserts are crafted to fit the exact needs of your foot, distributing pressure evenly and optimizing function and alignment. When worn consistently, these devices prevent pressure from building up in one area of your foot. As a result, you are less likely to experience a bunion recurrence following your recovery from surgery.
Customized bunion treatment in Powder Springs, Georgia
Not every bunion will require surgical correction. And not every patient will be a candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery. Have you noticed that your bunion is making it harder to wear your favorite shoes? Is that bump beneath your big toe red, swollen or causing you pain? It’s likely time to consider surgery, so we encourage you to call our office at 770-727-0614 or follow this link to make an appointment. When you come into the office, Dr. Cowans will review your candidacy for a minimally invasive surgical approach, and guide you towards the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.
