Apr 1, 2013 3 min read

Bunions are a complex deformity. A bunion results when the big toe points toward the second toe and causes inflammation of the tissue surrounding the joint. The inflammation can make everyday activities like exercising and walking very painful.

An estimated 23 percent of adult Americans suffer from bunions, according to a review of studies published in 2010 in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.

Bunions are nine times more common in women than men. Remarkably, there is disagreement among doctors about the cause of bunions, according to Dr. James A. Marks, medical director of Washington Health System Wound & Skin Healing Center and Hyperbaric Medicine. Some believe that the most common cause of bunions is the prolonged wearing of poorly fitting shoes – usually shoes with a narrow, pointed toe box that squeezes the toes into an unnatural position. Others believe that the problem stems from genetic factors that are exacerbated by shoe use. In addition, bunions may also be caused by arthritis or trauma.

Bunions are also common in some family groups. The doctors of Washington Health System Foot and Ankle Specialists believe that genetics has a dominant role in determining the individual’s susceptibility to developing this painful condition; thus – Grandma, Mother, daughter and child.

Due to the abnormal positioning of the bones in the foot, shooting nerve pain or even numbness could also develop. Pain can vary, but is usually very achy and typically radiates to the toes and along the arch of the foot.

Before undergoing surgery, more conservative treatments such as padding, orthotics, and topical analgesics or ice should be considered.

So how do you know when you need bunion surgery? Pain is present and it is limiting your ability to do the things you like, love or have to do; you have tried some of the above conservative options without relief; you have realistic expectations about your bunion surgery results.

A survey by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons found that 90 percent of patients reported significant pain relief and increased physical activity, six to 24 months following bunion surgery.

Bunion surgery is not particularly “more” painful than other surgeries. Most patients only require narcotic pain medication for a few days after surgery and then use anti-inflammatories to control their discomfort and swelling.

The most frequent procedure to correct bunions is an osteotomy, or a controlled cut of the first metatarsal bone.

Most bunion surgeries take between six and 12 weeks for recovery.

Bunion surgery, just like any surgery, can have complications. Take the time to discuss your questions and alternatives with a foot and ankle surgeon.