Your Expert Guide to Bunion Surgery in Los Angeles

If you’re suffering from bunions, you’re not alone. Approximately one in five individuals is affected to some extent. Bunions are more prevalent in women than men, likely due to factors such as weaker tendons and ligaments in women's feet and a higher likelihood of wearing tight shoes with high heels.

​​While many people may dismiss bunions as simply a cosmetic issue, they can lead to persistent pain, difficulty walking, and even long-term joint problems if left untreated. Understanding the causes, treatment options, and the potential for recovery is essential for those considering surgery as a viable solution. This blog will guide you through the process of bunion surgery, providing insight into when it’s necessary, what to expect, and how recovery can help restore mobility and comfort.

Read on to learn five strategies you can use at home to get relief from bunion pain and where to find the best bunion treatment in Los Angeles if you’re unable to manage the pain on your own. 

So What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe joint. Over time, the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing pain, stiffness, and deformities. If left untreated, bunions can significantly impact your walking and standing, as well as your mobility and quality of life.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions can develop due to a variety of factors, including both genetic and lifestyle influences. Here are the main causes:

• Genetics: Some people are born with foot structure abnormalities, such as misaligned bones or flat feet, which can make them more prone to developing bunions over time.
• Chronic Foot Pressure: Consistently wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toes or high heels, can put excess pressure on the foot, leading to the formation of a bunion.
• Foot Abnormalities: Certain inherited conditions, such as flat feet or abnormal bone structures, can increase the likelihood of bunion formation.
• Injury or Trauma: An injury to the foot can sometimes lead to a bunion if the bones or joints are displaced or damaged in a way that causes the toe to shift out of place.
• Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to bunions by affecting the joints in the feet and causing inflammation and misalignment.

Relief from bunion pain is achievable with the help of a skilled foot surgeon specializing in bunion surgery in Los Angeles. With proper care and surgical options, you can address the underlying causes and find long-term relief from the best bunion treatment in Los Angeles. 

When Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

If you’re not getting quick relief for inflamed bunions with Epsom salt or relief during bunion flare-ups from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, it’s time to see a podiatrist for bunion relief. 

In other words, bunion surgery becomes a consideration when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief from bunion pain, and the condition begins to interfere with daily life. The most significant indicator that surgery may be needed is persistent foot pain that makes walking or standing uncomfortable. Other key signs include:

• Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the big toe joint
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear due to the bunion size
• Restricted movement of the big toe
• A progressively worsening deformity

Whether the goal is pain relief, improved mobility, or restoring the natural shape of the foot, surgical intervention by the best bunion surgeon in Los Angeles offers a viable path to long-term comfort.

Bunion Surgery 101: What to Expect

Bunion surgery is often necessary when persistent foot pain, swelling, or restricted movement interferes with daily life and conservative treatments no longer provide relief. The most common signs that surgery may be needed include difficulty walking, discomfort while wearing shoes, and a progressively worsening toe deformity. Advanced imaging technology allows for precise surgical planning, ensuring that each procedure is tailored to the individual’s foot structure. 

The goal of bunion surgery is not just to remove the bony prominence but also to correct the underlying structural misalignment for long-term stability, as well as pain and inflammation relief. Bunion surgery is highly individualized, as each foot structure and bunion presentation is unique. Modern surgical techniques involve precise imaging and customized procedural planning to ensure optimal correction and stability. Advanced imaging technology helps surgeons assess bone alignment, joint health, and soft tissue involvement, allowing for a targeted and effective approach.

The procedure typically involves repositioning the misaligned bone, correcting soft tissue imbalances, and, in some cases, stabilizing the joint with small screws or plates. The goal is to not only remove the bony prominence but also to address the underlying structural issues that led to the bunion's development in the first place.

Recovery is a crucial part of the process, with scheduled follow-ups ensuring proper healing and the ideal outcomes, such as walking and standing comfortably. In addition to 3D scans, typical post-surgery milestones include:

• Six days post-surgery: Initial check-up to assess healing and change bandages
• Three weeks post-surgery: Evaluation of swelling and mobility progress
• Six weeks post-surgery: Transition to more regular activities and footwear.
• 12 weeks post-surgery: Final assessment to confirm long-term correction and stability

Patients can expect a gradual return to normal activities, with long-term success depending on proper foot care, including supportive footwear and avoiding high-stress activities. With modern surgical techniques and a commitment to post-surgical care, bunion surgery offers lasting relief, improved mobility, and a restored foot shape.

Most insurance plans cover bunion surgery to some extent, particularly when it is deemed medically necessary, though coverage details vary.

Discover Bunion Relief with the Best Bunion Surgeon in Los Angeles 

Dr. David J. Soomekh, a highly skilled podiatrist and foot surgeon, leads the expert team at Foot and Ankle Specialty Group to deliver relief from your bunion pain. Our facility leverages the most advanced surgical care with a personalized, patient-first approach to ensure your pain is relieved and your mobility is restored. 

Dr. David J. Soomekh is a board-certified foot surgeon with extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating bunions using both non-surgical and advanced surgical techniques. With training from top institutions like Stanford and years of experience in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, he is widely regarded as the best bunion surgeon in Los Angeles. Whether you need conservative treatment or surgical correction, Dr. Soomekh offers the most effective bunion treatments for lasting relief.

Whether you're seeking custom orthotics, minimally invasive treatments, or expert surgical solutions, we provide state-of-the-art care tailored to your unique needs at our conveniently located Beverly Hills facility. 

Ready to walk pain-free with innovative bunion treatment from the best podiatrist in Los Angeles for bunions?