Patients are increasingly finding that minimally invasive foot surgery is right for them, but is it right for you?
People seek bunion surgery and bunion removal for a variety of reasons. How do they choose what type of bunion operation is right for them?
What is Bunion Surgery?
Quoting John Hopkins Medicine:[1]
“Bunion surgery is done to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity of the bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe. The one at the small toe is called a ‘bunionette’ or ‘tailor’s bunion.’ Bunions often form when the joint is stressed for a long time. Most bunions form in women, mainly because women may be more likely to wear tight, pointed, and confining shoes. Bunions may be inherited as a family trait. Bunions may also result from arthritis. This often affects the big toe joint.”
That is the basic definition of a bunion, and bunion surgery is performed as a final solution when custom footwear, splints, and orthotics no longer work.
How Do I Know What Bunion Operation is Right for Me?
When considering a bunion operation, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, contact The Art of Foot & Ankle today for a consultation to see if minimally invasive bunion surgery is right for you.
- Are you seeking a bunion operation because of pain and discomfort? The signs that bunion surgery is needed include severe foot pain when walking or even when wearing flat, comfortable shoes, or chronic big toe inflammation and swelling not reduced by rest or medication.
- Are you having a difficult time finding shoes that fit you comfortably? People often opt for bunion corrective surgery when their bunions have become so severe that they cause a toe deformity, e.g., a bending of the big toe towards the smaller toes, or an inability to bend or straighten the big toe.
- Are you unable to do the activities you once enjoyed, such as hiking, jogging, dancing, playing sports, or simply walking? Bunions typically start small and worsen over time, which is why they are most common in older adults. Once a bunion begins impinging on one’s quality of life and their ability to enjoy their favorite pastimes, it may be time for a corrective bunion surgery.
- Are you self-conscious about the appearance of your feet? One of the indicators that bunion surgery is needed is when the patient experiences harmful emotional or psychological effects as a result of living with one or more bunions. When a bunion is large enough to be cosmetically noticeable, it likely will not respond to other treatments. Thankfully, noninvasive surgery exists to correct the bunion and improve the cosmetic nature of the feet, all without the harmful and long-term side effects of an invasive bunion surgery.
- Have you already had traditional bunion surgery done on one foot? One of the prime candidates for noninvasive bunion surgery is those who have already had a traditional bunion surgery on one of their feet. Such patients are so averse to the notion of going through that process again that they quickly opt for a less invasive bunion surgery.
- Are you familiar with minimally invasive surgery? Most patients don’t even know minimally invasive bunion surgery exists. The practice has been in use for over 50 years, yet it has only recently become popular among podiatrists to the point where it is now the leading approach to safe and effective bunion correction.
If you’ve never heard of minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery options, it will be worth your while to schedule a consultation and see what your options are.
Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation about Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is revolutionizing the way pain-free bunion removal is being done. The minimally invasive approach is better for the patient, less painful, more conducive to overall health and wellness, safer, and easier to recover from, and one can get back to their day-to-day life and favorite hobbies faster. Quoting Dr. Ashim Wadehra:
“Minimally invasive foot surgery is a game changer for my patients. To be able to correct my patient’s bunions with a small incision and provide them with a beautiful aesthetic foot is one of the most gratifying parts of my job. I am so happy to be able to serve my community and practice minimally invasive foot surgery to help as many people as possible.”
For the best minimally invasive foot and ankle surgeon in Detroit and southern Michigan, call The Art of Foot & Ankle at (248) 341-0602 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
Sources Cited:
[1] JHM. “Bunion Surgery.” John Hopkins Medicine, 2026. hopkinsmedicine.org
