A bunion is a deformity of the big toe and a bump on the inside of your foot caused by gradual deformity of the bones in your foot. Hammer toes are deformities of your smaller toes.

Unfortunately there is no way to fix these problems permanently without surgery. There are many surgical options available all with different approaches and recoveries. There is rarely a quick fix with a quick recovery to address these problems properly. Most surgeries require cutting and moving bone with plates and screws which can lead to a prolonged recovery.

Dr. Hodgkins uses the most modern 3 dimensional bunion correction devices, however, the recovery can still be long because you have to wait for the bone to heal, despite what you might read and see on the internet.

Rehab is long even when more recent developments allow for a slightly quicker recovery.

Dr. Hodgkins does not normally recommend you have a surgical procedure for your bunion unless you meet the following criteria:

◆  Pain on a daily basis from the bunion that affects your quality of life
◆  You avoid certain activities because of your bunion
◆  Your bunion limits your daily choice of shoe
◆  You commit a full recovery duration of 6 months
◆  No impact exercise (running) and high heels for at least 4-6 months after surgery
◆  No driving for 2-3 months if it is your right foot

If you meet the above criteria, call Dr. Hodgkins for an opinion about bunion surgery.