Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is often the best choice if your bunion causes severe pain and difficulty walking. At Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst, your bunion surgery is performed by masterful board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Robert Hurst, DPM. Dr. Hurst draws upon more than 20 years of experience as he expertly corrects bunions to alleviate pain and mobility problems. To learn more, call the Savannah, Tennessee, or Corinth, Mississippi, office, or click online scheduling anytime.

What are bunions?

Bunions are misaligned big toe joints. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the bottom of your big toe has two bones. When the two bones drift apart, it creates a bony bump that juts out from the side of the foot.  

With a bunion, the big toe points in the direction of the other toes on that foot, and this may worsen over time until the big toe overlaps the next toe. Bunions can cause swelling, tenderness, pain, and difficulty standing or walking. 

Bunions and another foot problem called hammertoe frequently happen simultaneously. In hammertoe, the second, third, or fourth toe bends in the middle, creating a hammer-like appearance. Hammertoes, like bunions, can become quite uncomfortable and may require surgery. 

When do you need bunion surgery?

Unfortunately, bunions can’t be reversed through nonsurgical means because only surgery can realign your MTP joint. There are nonsurgical ways to reduce bunion pain and prevent or slow its progression, such as:

• Taping
• Padding
• Splinting
• Custom orthotics
• Cortisone injections

But, with all of these methods, the bunion remains — and it may grow regardless of the nonsurgical approach used. 

If your bunion causes severe pain or prevents you from walking or enjoying your usual activities, it might be time to think about bunion surgery. Or, if you’re greatly distressed by the appearance of your bunion, surgery could be a good option. 

What does bunion surgery involve?

There are several methods of bunion surgery, but in general the surgery focuses on reducing the bony bump and restoring the proper alignment of your MTP joint. Dr. Hurst performs bunion surgeries in his on-site surgical suite, so you have a more comfortable procedure without a hospital stay. 

After your bunion surgery, you wear a cast or special shoe that holds your joint in position as it heals. Dr. Hurst provides detailed recovery guidance so you’ll know how soon you can start bearing weight on your foot and walking. 

Thanks to highly advanced techniques, recovery from bunion surgery is far faster than ever before. You’re in great hands with Dr. Hurst, as he’s a fellowship-trained foot surgery specialist who has decades of experience in bunion repair.

To learn more about bunion surgery and whether it’s the right choice for you, call Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst or click on the online booking feature and arrange a consultation now.