BUNION SURGERY
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CONSIDERING BUNION SURGERY?
WALK PAIN-FREE WITH EXPERT CARE
For cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, or when bunions cause significant pain and interfere with daily activities, surgical intervention may be recommended. At Sarasota Foot Care Center, our TOP RATED, AWARD-WINNING, board-certified podiatrists specialize in bunion surgery (bunionectomy). This procedure involves removing the bony prominence, realigning the toe, and correcting any soft tissue changes. The specific surgical approach depends on the severity of the deformity, x-ray findings, and the patient’s lifestyle and activity level. Our team uses state-of-the-art techniques to ensure optimal outcomes and faster recovery.
WHAT IS A BUNION?
Bunions will worsen over time if not properly managed.
A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the big toe moves out of place, angling toward the other toes, which may lead to a condition known as Hallux Valgus. This misalignment causes a protuberance that rubs against footwear, leading to friction, pressure, and irritation. In some cases, the big toe may overlap the second or third toe, or rotate and twist, known as Hallux Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also contribute to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe. Over time, it will worsen and the constant irritation can cause inflammation, redness, and tenderness, and may lead to bursitis, arthritis, or thickened skin on the bottom of the foot, making walking painful and difficult.
BUNION FACT:
Bunions are not hereditary, but a family history of faulty foot structure, such as flat feet or pronated feet, can increase the likelihood of developing them. Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes is a primary cause, as they compress the toes and exacerbate the condition. Other contributing factors include foot injuries, neuromuscular conditions, and flat feet. Bunions are estimated to affect about 33% of the population in Western countries.
What
are the
Symptoms?
Bunions can make walking painful, impacting your ability to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.
Some Symptoms Includes:
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Pain or tenderness at the base of the big toe
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Swelling or redness around the joint
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Restricted movement of the big toe
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Corns or calluses from overlapping toes
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Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
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Bony bump at the base of the big toe
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Pain or soreness around the joint
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, Sarasota Foot Care Center bunion surgery may be right for you!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet.
CAUSES OF A
BUNION
Bunions can result from:
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Genetics: Inherited foot structure predisposing you to bunions.
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Improper Footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that pressure the toes.
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Biomechanical Issues: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or overpronation, addressed by our team’s expertise in biomechanics.
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Medical Conditions: Arthritis or other joint issues contributing to deformity.
NOT SO FUN FACT:
A bunion’s appearance and symptoms can worsen over time because of improper shoe gear. Women are ten times more likely than men to develop bunions because of shoes that do not fit properly. Often, the shoes are too tight or narrow in the toe area, which forces the big toe inward and exerts pressure on the first metatarsal.
WILL A BUNION GO AWAY ON ITS OWN?
No. Bunions are progressive structural deformities that do not resolve without intervention.
Conservative treatments—such as properly fitted wide-toe-box shoes, custom orthotics, padding, and anti-inflammatory measures—can relieve pain and slow progression, especially in early stages. However, they cannot reverse the deformity.
Continued wear of narrow, high-heeled, or unsupportive shoes will worsen the condition, allowing a mild bunion to advance into a moderate or severe deformity over time.
This progression often leads to:
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Increased pain and inflammation
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Overlapping toes
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Joint stiffness or arthritis
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Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
The Only Permanent Solution: Surgical Correction
Only bunion surgery (such as minimally invasive osteotomy or traditional bunionectomy) can realign the bones, correct the joint, and permanently halt progression.
Modern techniques offer:
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Smaller incisions
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Faster recovery
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Excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes
WHAT CAN BE
DONE ABOUT A BUNION?
Bunion Correction: Tailored to Your Needs
Depending on your bunion’s severity, surgery may involve:
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Bone shaving to reduce prominence
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Bone cutting (osteotomy) to realign and secure the joint in its correct position
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Joint fusion (arthrodesis) for advanced cases requiring stability
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, your podiatrist will guide you through a personalized consultation, explaining each option and recommending the best procedure for your lifestyle, recovery goals, and long-term results.
Your care is our #1 priority.
BUNION DIAGNOSIS
Our comprehensive diagnostic process includes:
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Medical History: Reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history to understand contributing factors.
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Physical Exam: Assessing the bunion’s size, toe alignment, and impact on foot function.
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X-Ray: Imaging to evaluate the severity of the deformity and guide treatment planning.
MEDICAL HISTORY
Your First Visit: What to Expect
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, your top-rated Sarasota bunion surgeon starts with a thorough conversation to understand your unique experience.
We’ll ask:
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When did you first notice the bunion?
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How fast has it progressed?
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On a scale of 1–10, how much pain are you in?
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Have you tried any treatments so far?
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What shoes do you wear most often?
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Does your job keep you on your feet all day?
These answers guide every decision—ensuring your treatment fits your life, not just your X-ray.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
During your visit, our surgeon conducts a meticulous physical examination of the bunion, carefully evaluating the great toe’s bone structure and joint alignment. Range of motion is gently tested to identify any restrictions, pain, numbness, or tingling. A brief gait analysis follows as you take a few steps, allowing us to observe weight distribution across the foot and pinpoint mechanical imbalances driving your condition.
X-RAY
A standing X-ray of your foot is captured to precisely measure the bunion’s severity and reveal the degree of joint displacement, any arthritic changes, or secondary effects on surrounding bones. These detailed images guide your surgeon in selecting the most effective corrective procedure tailored to your anatomy.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
OPTIONS FOR BUNIONS
Not all bunions require surgery. The proper treatment for your bunion depends on the severity of pain, medical history, how rapidly the bunion has progressed, and if pain relief is achieved with conservative non-surgical treatments. Our doctors will work with you to find the best solution that delivers optimal results.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BUNIONS
When symptom management isn’t enough, bunion surgery is recommnded to realign the great toe joint to eliminate pain and restore mobility.
Bunion Surgery: A Masterclass in Precision and Personalization
Every bunion tells its own story—shaped by years of pressure, footwear choices, and the unique architecture of your foot. At Sarasota Foot Care Center, surgical correction is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, it is a meticulously orchestrated procedure, blending time-honored techniques with modern innovation to restore both form and function.
Depending on the severity of your deformity, your surgeon may employ one or a combination of the following methods:
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Exostectomy (bone shaving): Carefully sculpting away the prominent bony enlargement to reduce friction and restore a more natural contour.
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Osteotomy: A deliberate, precise bone cut that allows the great toe to be gently repositioned into its anatomically correct alignment. Once realigned, the bone is stabilized with advanced fixation—tiny screws or plates that become permanent, invisible allies in maintaining correction.
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Arthrodesis (joint fusion): In cases of significant joint damage or instability, the joint is fused to eliminate painful motion and provide lifelong durability.
Regardless of the incisional approach—whether minimally invasive with tiny portals or traditional for complex reconstructions—the gold standard remains unwavering: cut, realign, fixate. This foundational principle ensures that the structural root of the bunion is permanently addressed, not merely masked.
Two primary pathways guide this realignment:
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Osteotomy – The cornerstone of most corrections, allowing dynamic repositioning of the bone while preserving joint motion.
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Fusion (arthrodesis) – Reserved for advanced arthritis or severe instability, transforming a painful, dysfunctional joint into a stable, pain-free foundation.
Your surgeon will walk you through every detail, selecting the ideal procedure not only for clinical excellence, but for how seamlessly it fits your active lifestyle, career demands, and long-term aspirations.
BUNION SURGERY RECOVERY
Recovery & Healing: What to Expect After Bunion Surgery
Recovery begins the moment surgery ends—and how soon you walk depends entirely on the precision of the procedure, the strength of the fixation anchoring your commitment to following post-op instructions.
Bone healing is a natural, predictable process that typically requires 6–8 weeks in healthy individuals. During this time, new bone forms across the surgical site, gradually restoring strength and stability.
Most patients transition back to daily activities and regular shoes between 6 weeks and 3 months, depending on the procedure and individual response. Early mobility—often with protective footwear—is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent stiffness.
Certain factors can extend healing:
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Smoking – Impedes blood flow and delays bone repair
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Diabetes or poor circulation – Slows tissue recovery
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Advanced age – Natural reduction in regenerative capacity
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Nutritional deficiencies – Especially in protein, vitamin D, or calcium
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Excess weight or high-impact activity – Places undue stress on the healing bone
Your surgeon provides a personalized timeline, progressive weight-bearing plan, and follow-up imaging to confirm union. Compliance with post-op protocols—elevation, protected walking, and scheduled visits—ensures the smoothest, fastest recovery.
Walking After Bunion Surgery:
Freedom Starts Day One
The moment you step out of surgery, your mobility timeline hinges on two key factors: the precise procedure and the advanced fixation securing your correction.
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we use the latest, most-effective techniques-so nearly every patient can walk right after surgery. No casts. No crutches. Just a simple, protective boot that lets you move safely from day one.
This early weight-bearing protocol accelerates healing, reduces muscle atrophy, and gets you back to life faster—often walking comfortably within hours of surgery.
Your surgeon tailors the plan to your bone quality, activity goals, and procedure complexity, with progressive transitions to regular shoes as healing advances.
WE DELIVER OPTIMAL RESULTS
What to ASK
Your
Surgeon?
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What is the best treatment option for my bunion’s severity?
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How long will recovery take if surgery is needed?
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Can non-surgical treatments manage my symptoms effectively?
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What lifestyle changes can prevent my bunion from worsening?
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How will treatment impact my daily activities, like walking or sports?
WHY
HEALTHY FEET MATTER
Your feet carry the weight of your entire body, playing a critical role in locomotion, balance, and overall well-being.
Your Feet aren’t just part of your body—they’re the foundation of everything.
Every step you take, every mile you walk, every dance on the beach, every round of golf at sunrise—starts here.
When your feet hurt, you slow down. When you slow down, you sit more. When you sit more… your heart, your joints, your mood, your life—they all pay the price.
But when your feet are strong, pain-free, and aligned? You move. You thrive. You stay active—and that single choice fuels:
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Stronger heart & lungs
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Better balance & posture
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Lower risk of diabetes, obesity, and depression
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More energy, more joy, more years
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we don’t just fix bunions. We unlock your body’s full potential—one healthy step at a time.
Don’t wait until pain stops you. Start with your feet. Start now.
Beautiful Feet. Built to Thrive.
Foundation
Your Feet. Your Powerhouse.
Fix them first—and the rest of your body thrives.
Because when your feet are strong, you move more. When you move more, you live longer, stronger, happier.
Don’t let pain steal your steps.
Healthy feet = Healthy life.
Start here. Start now.
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we don’t just fix bunions. We unlock your body’s full potential—one healthy step at a time.
Don’t wait until pain stops you. Start with your feet. Start now.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD'S HEALTHLY FEET
WALK PAIN-FREE WITH EXPERT CARE
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we equip you with the knowledge to make confident, informed choices about your bunion care—every step of the way.
No matter where your condition stands, our team works tirelessly to eliminate pain, restore function, and help you put your best foot forward.
Take the first step today.
Our Services
At Sarasota Footcare Center, we offer comprehensive foot care services to help you maintain healthy feet. From routine check-ups to advanced treatments, our experienced podiatrists are here to address all your foot care needs.
Treatment Options
We provide a range of treatment options for various foot conditions, including bunions. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing pain and discomfort. Our team can offer both conservative and surgical treatments to alleviate bunion symptoms.
Foot Care Specialists
Our team of skilled podiatrists specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle problems. Whether you are dealing with bunions, heel pain, or sports injuries, we are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you get back on your feet.
Preventive Care
Preventive foot care is essential for maintaining overall foot health. Regular check-ups and early intervention can help prevent serious foot problems in the future. Trust Sarasota Footcare Center to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet.
WHERE TO FIND US
Opening Hours
Mon - Thur
Friday
Saturday & Sunday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closed