I have a bunion and my doctor says I need surgery. Should I go for it?

 Tell your doctor to take a hike. The initial management of all bunions is conservative. When all non-surgical treatments fail after 9-12 months, surgery may be the only other alternative. Surgery involves removal of the swollen tissues and realigning the toe. Do not be in a rush to jump in line for surgery- the results are at best mediocre, pain is significant and bunions do come back. Moreover, you will have to take at least 4-6 weeks off work after surgery. Most patients are not satisfied with surgery. To prevent recurrences one should wear proper shoes and avoid high heels.

What are the features of a bunion?

Symptoms of bunions include:

- An unattractive bulge at the side of the big toe

- Swelling, redness or pain

- Corns or calluses at the base/side of the big toe

- Limited movement of the big toe

- Difficulty wearing shoes

Most individuals with bunion have one complain- pain. The pain can be variable but is usually constant and can be severe. Because the bunion pushes the other toes, crowding and ingrown toes nails are also common. Bunions once acquired can be worsened in individuals who wear high heels or ill fitting shoes. Individuals with flat feet and arthritis also have a tendency to develop bunions.

Can you please tell me how I got a bunion on my foot? I am only 23

Bunion is an abnormal bony protrusion that develops on the joint of the big toe. The toe joint becomes progressive large, distorted and crowds the other toes. The outward pressure of the joint gradually increases, leading to pain and an abnormal profile of the foot. Bunions can occur for many reasons but the most common is wearing of tight fitting shoes- especially at the toes.

Other causes of bunions may be congenital, bad luck, trauma or stress on the toes from another medical disorder.

The chief reason why bunions are more common in women is because of tight restrictive shoes. Looking good sure does have a few setback and developing bunions is one of them