Bunion Surgery

Why do I have bunions?

A bunion, formally called a “hallux valgus,” is a bump that develops on the inside of your foot over your big toe joint. The bump stems from bone that’s protruding abnormally, causing severe pain and even difficulty walking.

Your bunion may be caused by:

• Trauma or foot injuries
• Birth deformities
• Inherited foot type

Women are more likely to develop bunions than men, only because they wear poorly-fitting, snug shoes like high heels. A similar issue can even grow on your baby toe, which is called a bunionette.

What happens during bunion surgery?

If you need bunion surgery, Dr. Lee uses specialized minimally invasive instruments and techniques to correct your toe joint. Depending on the severity of your condition, bunion surgery can involve:

• Removing swollen tissue
• Realigning your toe bones and joint
• Removing part of your bone
• Rejoining affected bones

Usually, before advising surgical repair though, Dr. Lee strives to see if conservative measures help with bunion pain.

You might get relief from wearing shoes that have a broader toe portion or softer insole. Many bunion sufferers also find comfort by wearing custom orthotics that Dr. Lee designs right in the office using state-of-the-art 3D scanners and cameras.

How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?

As one of the only board-certified podiatrists in Southern Illinois who offers minimally invasive bunion surgery, you can feel confident that your procedure with Dr. Lee is going to result in minimal downtime.

You might even be able to walk short distances on your treated foot immediately after bunion surgery. In most cases, you won't need a cane, crutches, or a walker. 

Depending on your specific procedure, you can return to most shoes in 2-4 weeks, although it could take several months for complete recovery.

Schedule an evaluation at Southern Illinois Family Foot Care to see if you’re a candidate for bunion surgery. Book your visit either online or over the phone.