A bunion is usually considered for surgery when it remains painful despite wider shoes, padding, and orthotics, when it limits walking or activity, or when it is causing problems in the neighboring toes. Surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons alone.
Pain, not appearance
The size of a bunion does not decide whether it needs surgery. Some large bunions are painless; some small ones hurt every day. The question is how much it affects your life.
Signs it may be time
You have tried shoe changes and padding without enough relief. You avoid activities because of foot pain. The second toe is starting to bend or cross over. The big toe joint itself is stiff and painful.
What surgery involves
Modern bunion surgery corrects the alignment of the bone rather than shaving the bump. Options range from minimally invasive osteotomies to Lapidus reconstruction, chosen based on the specific deformity.
Timing
Waiting does not usually make surgery impossible, but significant progression or damage to other toes can make correction more involved.
From Professional Podiatry Services of New York. General information only; it does not replace an examination.