At Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons, Dr. Ross Bartley and Dr. Russell Grimes are here to help when you need foot surgery. One common surgery we perform is a bunionectomy. Bunion surgery in Independence, Kansas City, and St. Joseph, MO, could help you if you're in pain from a bunion. Read questions to ask your podiatrist about bunion surgery and contact us if a bunion is causing you pain.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the big toe. This happens when all the toes have been forced together. They are more common for women due to uncomfortable footwear, but anyone can develop a bunion and some people are genetically predisposed to developing them. A bunion is a bone deformity and can't get better on its own so you should see your podiatrist as soon as you notice one.

Is Bunion Surgery Right for Me?

Bunion surgery is typically only recommended if other measures haven't eased your pain or the bunion has grown very large. Change to comfortable, supportive footwear with a large toe box, and talk to your podiatrist about treatments like pads or shoe inserts that can improve comfort and splints you can wear at night to help straighten out the big toe.

What Is Recovery Like?

A bunionectomy for a bunion is typically an outpatient surgery where your foot surgeon shaves off the portion of the bone creating the bunion, and helps realign the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your foot. You can wear a post-operative boot and resume your normal activities within 3-4 weeks.

If you have a very large or severe bunion your surgeon may recommend an osteotomy, which involves cutting the base of the metatarsal bone to rotate and reposition it. Recovery after an osteotomy is a longer more intense process so you would need a cast and need to use crutches as you heal. However severe your bunion has gotten, we will discuss your best option for surgery.

When you need a bunion removed, Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons can help you with a bunionectomy. Bunion surgery in Independence, Kansas City, and St. Joseph, MO, can relieve your pain and get you back on your feet. Contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Ross Bartley or Dr. Russell Grimes at (816) 364-2338.