Preuss Podiatry offers bunion surgery and hammertoe correction in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN, along with non-surgical care for milder cases. Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons will explain every option so you can choose the right treatment for your foot and your lifestyle.
What is a bunion?
Bunions are a bony bump that occur at the base of the big toe. Bunions, also known as hallux valgus deformity, can be very painful and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Over time, bunions often become more pronounced as the deformity is progressive.
A bunion is not just a bump. The bones of the big toe joint have shifted out of line, so the big toe leans toward the other toes. Bunions often run in families, and tight or narrow shoes can make them worse.
Bunion symptoms
- A bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe
- Pain, redness or swelling over the joint
- Shoes that rub or no longer fit
- A big toe that crowds or overlaps the second toe
- Pain in the ball of the foot
Non-surgical bunion treatment
While change in shoe gear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatories, and padding can help, surgical correction of the bunion may be needed in more severe cases.
Non-surgical care can ease the pain, but it does not reverse the bunion. When pain keeps you from walking, working or wearing normal shoes, it may be time to talk about bunion surgery.
Bunion surgery
The foot and ankle surgeons will obtain imaging and discuss with you in detail the process of corrective bunion surgery.
Depending on your bunion, the surgeons may recommend:
- A Lapidus procedure, which corrects the bunion at its base by realigning and fusing the joint where it starts. This can help lower the chance of the bunion coming back.
- Minimally invasive bunion correction, done through small incisions, for patients who are good candidates.
Your surgeon will choose the approach based on your x-rays, how severe the bunion is, and your activity level.
Recovery after bunion surgery
Bunion surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Most patients wear a protective boot or surgical shoe while the bones heal, and follow-up visits and x-rays track your progress. Your surgeon will give you a timeline for walking, driving, returning to work and wearing regular shoes.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are bony deformities where the toes bend, curl or angle out of alignment. They often happen together with bunions, and both can often be corrected at the same time. Learn more about hammertoe treatment and surgery.
Schedule a consultation
If you are someone who is suffering with foot pain due to a bunion or in need of hammertoe correction, call Preuss Podiatry and schedule a consultation at one of our Louisville, KY or Floyds Knobs, IN locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bunions go away on their own?
No. Bunions usually get worse over time. Treatment can ease pain, and surgery is the only way to correct the alignment.
What is the difference between Lapidus and minimally invasive bunion surgery?
A Lapidus procedure corrects the bunion at its base. Minimally invasive correction uses small incisions. Your surgeon will recommend the best option for your foot.
Can bunions come back after surgery?
It is possible. Correcting the bunion at its source and following your recovery plan help lower that risk.
Should I wait until my bunion is worse to have surgery?
Surgery is not about how big the bump is, it is about pain and function. Have your foot checked and talk through your options.
