Bunion Surgery in Kalamazoo, MI

Relieve Pain, Restore Motion, and Improve the Appearance of Your Feet

A bunion (also called hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to stick out and push the toe inward toward the second toe. This misalignment can be painful, limit your mobility, and make it hard to find comfortable shoes.

At Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, we offer advanced bunion treatment—including surgical and non-surgical options—to relieve discomfort, restore normal alignment, and help you walk pain-free again.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions are often caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Inherited foot structure (flat feet, low arches, or loose ligaments)
• Ill-fitting or narrow footwear
• Arthritis in the big toe joint
• Repetitive stress or injury

Bunions tend to get worse over time, especially without proper intervention.

Symptoms of Bunions

You may have a bunion if you experience:

• A visible bump at the base of your big toe
• Swelling, redness, or soreness around the joint
• Persistent pain when walking or wearing shoes
• Stiffness or limited motion in the big toe
• Calluses where the toes overlap

Left untreated, bunions can lead to further complications, including hammertoes, corns, and joint degeneration.

How Bunions Are Diagnosed

During your visit to Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, we will:

• Discuss your symptoms and medical history
• Perform a physical examination of your foot
• Take weight-bearing X-rays to assess the severity of the deformity and joint alignment

This information helps us determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Do All Bunions Need Surgery?

Not necessarily. Mild to moderate bunions can often be managed without surgery. We typically begin with conservative treatments, such as:

• Custom orthotics to reduce pressure and realign the foot
• Padding or toe spacers to ease discomfort
• Wearing wider shoes with better arch support
• Icing and anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
• Activity modification to reduce irritation

If these approaches don’t bring relief and the bunion interferes with your quality of life, surgery may be the best next step.

Surgical Options for Bunions

Bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, is designed to realign the bones, correct joint position, and relieve pain. At Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, our procedures are tailored to the severity of your bunion and your lifestyle goals.

Common surgical techniques include:

• Osteotomy – Cutting and realigning the bone of the big toe
• Exostectomy – Removing the bony bump without realignment (used in select cases)
• Lapidus Procedure – Fusing bones in the midfoot to correct severe deformities and improve long-term stability
• Soft tissue balancing – Adjusting ligaments or tendons around the joint

We’ll walk you through your surgical plan, recovery expectations, and any rehabilitation involved so you feel confident in your care.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery time can vary depending on the procedure and your overall health. Most patients can expect:

• Protected weight-bearing in a surgical boot or cast for several weeks
• Gradual return to walking and daily activities
• Physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility
• Long-term improvements in comfort, mobility, and appearance

Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and support you every step of the way.