Managing Foot Pain During Pregnancy
If you’re wondering what to do about foot pain during pregnancy, you’re far from alone. Thankfully, there are many strategies you can implement to reduce pain and each of those achy feet. Read on to learn more.
5 Signs It's Time to Consider Bunion Surgery
For patients struggling with persistent bunion pain that fails to resolve with conservative measures, surgery provides an effective option that corrects the deformity and eliminates pain.
Here at Concord Podiatry, foot and ankle specialist David Biss, DPM, performs both traditional and minimally invasive bunion surgery to help patients get back to living without the pain and instability that can result from a bunion.
Assessing the need for bunion surgery
Most bunions don’t interfere with daily life. However, severe deformities can cause excruciating pain when standing and walking, and even throb when at rest. If this sounds like your situation, it’s wise to discuss the potential for bunion surgery.
Dr. Biss evaluates patients carefully and thoroughly to determine if bunion surgery is the most appropriate option. He often recommends surgery when there’s chronic, intense pain that affects mobility and quality of life. Let’s look at five signs it may be time for you to consider surgery for your bunion.
1. Persistent pain
If you experience constant or recurring pain in your big toe joint that affects your day-to-day living, it might be time to consider a surgical solution. Bunions can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to discomfort that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, orthotics, or changes in footwear.
2. Trouble walking
Bunions can make it challenging to walk comfortably, especially if they’re large or they’ve changed your toe alignment. If you find yourself limping or avoiding activities because of pain or trouble walking due to instability, it’s likely time to discuss surgical options.
Surgery can help realign the bones in your foot, improving your gait and allowing you to return to normal activities without pain.
3. Significant toe deformity
Over time, bunions can cause your big toe to lean toward your other toes, sometimes even overlapping them. This can lead to further deformity and make it difficult to find shoes that fit properly.
If you notice that your toe is significantly out of alignment or if your bunion continues to grow, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity and prevent further complications.
4. Limited footwear options
Left untreated, bunions tend to get progressively worse, making it challenging to find comfortable shoes. You might find that you have to choose shoes that are too wide or too large to accommodate your bunion, which can lead to additional foot problems.
If you’re constantly compromising on footwear and still experiencing discomfort, surgery might be a good option to help you regain your shoe freedom. Dr. Biss can help guide you through the decision-making process and ensure that surgery is the right choice for your lifestyle.
5. Other foot problems
The structural components of your feet work together. When one issue remains uncorrected, it can cause or worsen other foot problems. Bunions can lead to or exacerbate calluses, corns, and hammertoes, for instance. These issues come from the misalignment and pressure from the bunion, leading to additional pain and discomfort.
We can help
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s essential to consult with a podiatry specialist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan. Bunion surgery is a highly effective procedure that provides patients with long-term pain relief.
Contact our scheduling coordinator today in Concord or Plymouth, New Hampshire, to set up a consultation with Dr. Biss. At Concord Podiatry, we work closely with you to understand your symptoms and goals to best address your foot problems.
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