When bunions form, they can create a large bony bump on the outside of your foot, beneath your big toe joint. If the bump is large, or causing multiple symptoms, you may wish to explore your bunion correction options. Now, surgery is the only way to get rid of a bunion bump and restore the smooth profile of your foot. But with so many different approaches available for bunion removal, how can you choose the one that’s best for your needs? In this post, we’ll review the different types of bunion surgeries performed by our podiatrist in Powder Springs. By highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, we’ll help you gain a better understanding of your ideal treatment option.
Exploring Bunion Correction Options ![foot with bunion pain]()
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If you have a small bunion, we may be able to treat your symptoms without surgery. We can try padding the bunion to remove pressure from the bump and reduce painful rubbing. We can also fit you for custom orthotic inserts, as these can correct biomechanical imbalances in your body that can contribute to bunion formation. In turn, pressure will be relieved from your feet, preventing bunion progression and helping relieve your discomfort.
Now, these options may work well when bunions are small. However, they may not offer sufficient pain-relief for large, symptomatic bunions. And they certainly won’t reduce the size of an existing bony protrusion. Instead, for that, you’ll need to undergo bunion surgery.
At our podiatry practice in Powder Springs, Dr. Alvin Cowans can take two different approaches to surgical bunion correction, performing an open procedure or minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Each has advantages and disadvantages, and not every patient will be a candidate for MIS. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Correction
If you choose a minimally invasive bunionectomy, Dr. Cowans will perform the procedure using small incisions and specialized tools. This approach minimizes scarring and pain, and can pave the way for shorter recovery times after your surgery. However, this approach may not be as effective for large bunions, as the bones in your foot will likely have experienced a dramatic shift at that point, complicating the realignment process and necessitating a broader visual field.
Open Surgery for Bunions
If Dr. Cowans recommends conventional, or open, bunion surgery, he will create a larger incision in your foot at the start of your procedure. This will provide a clearer view of the procedure site, allowing for more complex surgical procedures to proceed smoothly. During surgery, it will also be possible to implant devices such as plates or screws to help maintain stability in your foot after the procedure is complete. In some cases, such as with a severe deformity or in the presence of arthritis, we may even need to remove a portion of the joint in your big toe. Afterward, we would fuse the joint segments together with implanted screws.
Choosing the Best Bunion Correction for Your Needs
Not sure how to pick the right approach for your needs? Of course, when you come into the office, Dr. Cowans will conduct a thorough examination and provide recommendations for your ideal treatment plan. But if you want to start the process, here are some factors to consider:
• Severity of the bunion: If your bunion is severe, you’ll be better off choosing open surgery—and recurrence is far less likely.
• Ability to take down time: If you need to get back on your feet sooner than later, MIS will be your best bet. If you choose open surgery, you may be barred from normal activities for several months.
• Pain tolerance: As a general rule, recovery from MIS will be less painful than an open surgery recovery, thanks to the smaller incisions used to perform the procedure.
• Concerns over scarring: Choosing open surgery could result in noticeable scars.
• Risk of complications: There is a greater risk for complications following open surgery, particularly if we implant stabilizing hardware in your foot.
In short, while every individual is different, here is the best way to choose your ideal bunion correction option: choose a minimally invasive bunionectomy if you have mild to moderate bunion formation and want less pain, and a faster recovery with minimal scarring after surgery. On the other hand, you should choose open surgery if you’re dealing with a severe or complex bunion deformity, especially if you’re worried about recurrence after your procedure.
Personalized Bunion Care in Powder Springs, GA
If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming on your foot, now is the time to start exploring your bunion correction options. When you come into the office with a small bunion, we’ll be able to provide with a wider—and less invasive—range of treatment options. So don’t waste another day walking around in pain. Simply call the office at 770-727-0614 or click here to request an appointment.
