Bunions are a common orthopedic condition that affects 1 in every 3 Americans. They are caused by a number of factors, ranging from the way you walk, the shoes you wear, injuries, and the physical activities you undertake. Even so, some people are naturally predisposed to bunions because of the natural shape of their legs. Bunions can be a bother when left untreated and will even cause other prolonged complex medical conditions.
Even though some people go for short-term pain relief options such as wearing wider shoes or pads to relieve pressure from the big toe, the only long-lasting solution for bunions is through a bunions New York surgery. The surgery (bunionectomy) will realign your toe bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves to get the toe back to its original position.
Who is a Good Candidate for Bunion Surgery?
A bunion, or the hard bony protrusion at the outside edge of your big toe, occurs when the alignment of your foot changes, forcing your big toe to shift towards the smaller toes. Neglected conditions may even cause the other toes to shift their alignment. Bunions can be painful and hinder your ability to do daily activities such as walking, standing, and even driving.
You are thus a good candidate for bunion surgery if you experience significant foot pain that limits your ability to do daily tasks to the point of not wearing your shoes, have chronic big toe inflammation, your big toe has drifted towards the smaller toes, have toe stiffness, and can’t find relief from changing footwear.
Benefits of Bunion Surgery
If your doctor has verified that you are fit for a bunionectomy, here are some benefits you will enjoy after surgery.
- You will be able to find Comfortable Footwear
Bunions make it hard to fit into shoes and find comfortable wear. This is because the bunion gets irritated by the shoes, resulting in inflammation and pain. This can be limiting as your range of shoe collection needs to accommodate your problematic feet. Moreover, bunions can even make it hard for you to wear shoes. However, a bunionectomy will correct the issue, and your shoe collection will be vast.
- Relief From Chronic Pain
Severe foot pain can affect your quality of life and ability to do minor tasks. Even though most people resort to anti-inflammatories to relieve the pain, this will only offer short-term relief. However, bunion surgery will make it easier for you to resume your normal operations pain-free.
3.Enhanced foot function and quality of life
Bunions cause major alterations to your foot structure, which hugely affects your foot functioning. Ideally, it becomes impractical to enjoy your daily activities due to pain and the limitations imposed, causing most people to lead sedentary lifestyles. A bunionectomy will, however, rectify any misalignment on your foot to ensure that you can conduct a normal life. Moreover, the surgery will dispel the likelihood of future recurrence of the bunion.
- Improved self-confidence
Bunions can make you hate the general appearance of your feet. Bunion surgery will thus be life-changing as it will positively change the way you feel about your feet. You can comfortably wear open shoes and not worry about what people feel about you.
So is bunion surgery worth it? Bunionectomy is the only long-term bunion solution you can be assured of. If you want to lead a normal life again, brace yourself for this life-saving surgery.
