Boca Raton
(561) 488-4848
Bunion Treatment
Conservative and surgical bunion treatment from board-certified foot and ankle surgeons at Family Foot Center, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, gradually pushing the toe toward its neighbors. Bunions tend to worsen slowly over time rather than appearing suddenly, and how much treatment they need depends on severity, symptoms, and how much they interfere with your daily life. Not every bunion needs surgery.
Conservative Treatment Options
Who This Affects
Bunions often run in families, and they’re more common in women and in anyone who spends years in narrow or pointed shoes. Flat feet, loose joints, and arthritis can also play a part. Many people first notice a bump that rubs in certain shoes or a big toe that has started leaning toward the others.
When Surgical Correction Makes Sense
When conservative measures aren’t enough to manage pain or the bunion continues to progress, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons offer surgical correction tailored to the severity of the deformity and your individual anatomy. The goal is to relieve pain and restore more normal alignment, with the approach chosen based on your specific case rather than a standard, one-size-fits-all technique.
When to See a Podiatrist
01
Pain at the base of the big toe that interferes with walking or shoes
02
A visibly growing or worsening bump
03
Redness, swelling, or irritation over the bunion
04
Difficulty finding footwear that fits comfortably
05
Overlapping or crowding of the toe next to the bunion
Frequently asked questions
1How do I know if my bunion needs surgery?
Surgery is typically considered when pain persists despite conservative treatment, the bunion is worsening, or it’s interfering with walking, footwear, or daily activities.
2How much do custom orthotics cost?
Custom orthotics through Family Foot Center are $500. Coverage varies by insurance plan, and our team can help you understand your specific benefits.
3What is recovery like after bunion surgery?
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure performed and the severity of the bunion. In many cases, it can take 6 to 12 weeks for the bones to heal, with complete swelling reduction and final tissue recovery lasting up to 6 to 12 months.
4Can a bunion come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible, though it’s not the typical outcome with appropriate surgical correction and post-operative footwear choices. Following your surgeon’s guidance on footwear and activity afterward helps protect the result.
5Are bunions related to hammertoes?
They can be. A progressing bunion can crowd the toes next to it and contribute to hammertoe development over time. If you have both, see our Hammertoe Treatment page as well.
6Is bunion treatment covered by insurance?
Medically necessary bunion treatment, including surgery when indicated, is typically covered by major insurance plans. Family Foot Center accepts all major insurance; HMO plans are not accepted.