Why Fall Is A Good Time For Bunion Surgery

Bunions are a toe joint deformity that we treat often at North Jersey Podiatry. Bunions occur when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned and begins to move out of place. As the big toe drifts toward the second toe, the telltale bump on the side of the base of the toe develops. Bunions are primarily caused by a defect in the structure of the foot which is often inherited. Wearing shoes that have high heels and/or narrow, pointy toe boxes make bunions worse. Other causes of bunions include:

• An injury
• Arthritis
• Congenital deformities

Regardless of the cause, over time bunions become increasingly deformed and painful. They can also lead to secondary problems such as corns and calluses on the top and side of the toe. For many women, moving from the open shoes of summer into the closed in styles of fall causes extreme discomfort and leads them to ask if the time has come for bunion surgery.

In addition to increased pain, there are two other good reasons to consider bunion surgery in the fall. First, the fall is often a less busy time of the year. Summer vacations are over, and everyone buckles down into the school and work routine for a few months. If you know you’ll be less active the recovery time will not seem so onerous. Second, if you have a health savings plan or have maxed out your deductible, there may be a financial benefit to scheduling the surgery before the year is over.

Deciding Factors

Our podiatrist, Dr. Paul Klein, has performed many bunion makeovers and will meet with you to discuss surgical options. There are several types of bunionectomies and our foot doctor will know the kind that will be most beneficial for you. Dr. Klein will take the time to fully explain the procedure and what to expect during recovery. The good news is that bunion surgery has a very high success rate.

If your bunion has started to make everyday activities like walking and wearing shoes difficult, it’s time to contact our Wayne, New Jersey office for a consultation. Get in touch with us by calling: (973) 595-1555.