What Happens When Bunions Are Left Untreated
A bunion is a prominent bump on the side of the big toe that usually develops from wearing ill-fitted shoes frequently, or from prolonged pressure being applied to the joint at the base of the foot. Depending on the shape or size of feet, some individuals may be more likely to develop bunions than others. Although there are home remedies that could work at mitigating large and small bunions (bunionettes), surgery is typically the best option.
Bunion surgery may be necessary for those who experience intense, debilitating foot pain that interferes or limits everyday activities. At Specialty Surgical Center, our specialists can remove your bunion by fusing the big toe joint, reshaping or removing the metatarsal head (bump on toe joint), or by surgically cutting and realigning the big toe joint. Other methods may be required depending on the patient’s specific case.
If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage. Bunions may cause the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate. While bunions can be remedied through surgery, arthritis and the possibility of chronic pain are not curable. However, there are interventional treatment options that could help with discomfort.
Crossover toe is another problem people may encounter if they do not seek the surgery they need. When you have crossover toe, the second toe sits on top of your big toe. While it is usually caused by an irregular foot structure, having an untreated bunion puts you at greater risk of developing crossover toe.
These are just a few of the complications that could occur if patients do not receive the surgery or treatment they need. On top of increased risks of this condition, quality of life could also go down. Bunions have a reputation for getting worse over time, which could lead to various inconveniences like having the toes rub against each other causing pain while walking, or the inability to wear shoes that fit.
Inflammation from a bunion puts you at risk of developing other conditions and pain. If you’d like to have your bunion evaluated and surgically removed, please do not hesitate to contact one of our orthopedic surgeons who specialize in foot and ankle surgeries.
Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.
For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.