Do you need bunion surgery? This often-painful podiatric condition develops in the foot's metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. If you have a recent bunion diagnosis and aren't sure what to do next, take a look at what you need to know about treatment and your surgical options.

What Exactly Is a Bunion?

Before you rush to choose a treatment, make sure that you completely understand what a bunion is and what it means for your feet. Again, a bunion develops on the MTP joint of the foot. But this doesn't mean you need to dig deep into the anatomy and physiology of the phalanges (more commonly known as the toes) to understand your bunion.

Bunions are bony bumps that form on the base of the big toe. If the bones in your toe move out of place, the big toe can start to push inwards. Persistent pressure on the area can force the MTP joint to stick outwards. The result is a noticeable bump. Along with a bump, bunions may cause pain and redness or can limit motion. 

What Treatments Are Available for Bunions?

Surgery is one treatment for this common condition. But it isn't the only option. Non-surgical treatments are first-line approaches that you may need to try before you schedule a surgery. These include changes in your footwear (wider shoes that don't press your foot together), a bunion shield (a padded cushion that fits on top of the bunion), orthotic shoe inserts, ice applications, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications.

If conservative non-surgical treatments don't work, you have a severe bunion, or your bunion continues to grow, you may need surgery. Surgical procedures can repair tendons and ligaments around the big toe and realign the foot. The most common types of procedures include:

• Osteotomy. The surgeon will cut the bone and realign it with pins, plates, or screws. 
• Arthrodesis. The surgeon removes the joint surface and uses screws or plates to hold the toe together.
• Exostectomy. The surgeon removes the bump.
• Resection arthroplasty. The surgeon removes the damaged part of the MTP joint. 

The specific procedure you choose depends on the severity of the bunion, its size, its shape, and the surgeon's recommendation. 

Should You Have Surgery?

Again, surgery is not a first-choice option for most patients. If you've tried other treatments without success or the bunion impacts your everyday life/ability to walk, you may need to choose one of the four surgical options. Along with the severity of the bunion, the doctor will also factor in your overall health status and podiatric goals before making a decision. While surgery isn't necessary for every patient, it can reduce persistent pain and give you back the ability to walk with ease.