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Bunions are progressive deformities. The longer they are left untreated, the larger they will grow. What can start out as simply a mild bump, can quickly progress to a both unsightly and very painful deformity.

I remember the old Fram oil filter commercials where the technician slams the cash register door and others those famous lines,” you can pay me now, or you can pay me later.” Bunions are very much the same way. Caught early enough. It can be a very simple procedure with little time to recover.

Once a bunion gets severe at this picture shows, it is often necessary to do more extensive work during surgery. If the bunion is caught soon enough all the work is done at the head of the metatarsal. If the angle between the first and second toe gets large enough (and this angle is about 18°), work must then be done at the base of the metatarsal further up the foot.

This is called a base wedge osteotomy and requires up to six weeks in a walking cast. If only needs to be done at the head of the metatarsal than a walking cast is not necessary postoperatively.

Also two other things to consider: 1.) Your insurance coverage and 2.) your vascular status. If either of these become less than ideal,

This bunion requires work at the base--> longer recovery.

you may not be able to have the surgery at a later date.