If these simple changes don't help, you might want to consider surgery. There are more than 100 surgical options for dealing with bunions. With this operation, called a bunionectomy , notches are cut from the metatarsal bone or the bone of the big toe. The bones can then grow back without the slant that fosters bunion growth. The operation usually is done on an outpatient basis, but you probably will be advised to stay off your feet for a few weeks.
Recovery usually takes about six weeks.
There is no reason to have surgery for a bunion that doesn't cause pain. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All material provided in the Ask Dr. Weil program is provided for educational purposes only. Consult your own physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.