As a podiatrist serving families across North and South Carolina, I’ve seen countless patients wrestle with bunion pain. Bunions pose a variety of challenges all year long, but I’ve noticed an uptick in clinical complaints during the summer.
Flip-flops and beach walks in places like Wrightsville Beach or Greenville highlight foot discomfort for patients with bunions, and deciding how to seek out care for bunions can be a challenge when considering the implications of summertime recovery.
While surgery may be the most common way to tackle bunions, is it the only way?
Is Bunion Surgery the Only Option?
Many patients delay dealing with bunions out of concern over surgery. For these patients, I totally understand that foot surgery is a big deal. Thankfully, many find relief through conservative measures.
At SmartStep Foot and Ankle, we help patients decide if surgery is right for their bunions or if non-surgical options can keep them moving pain-free. In this post, I’ll share my insights, patient stories, and expert guidance to help you navigate bunion treatment, whether that means surgical intervention or not.
Understanding Bunions and Their Impact
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump at the base of the big toe caused by joint misalignment. It’s common in the Carolinas, where active lifestyles, such as hiking in Asheville or walking Charleston’s historic streets, can worsen symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty finding shoes that fit.
Genetics, tight footwear, and high-impact activities contribute to the problem, but not every bunion requires surgery. Here’s how to decide what’s right for you:
When Surgery Might Be the Answer
Surgery, like a bunionectomy or osteotomy, realigns the joint and removes the bony prominence. It’s often considered when:
Pain Disrupts Daily Life: A patient, *Karen from Raleigh, contacted me via our HIPAA-compliant portal after bunion pain stopped her from walking her dog. After a telehealth consult, we confirmed severe joint deformity via X-ray through coordination with a local provider. Based on our discussions and imaging, in Karen’s case, surgery was her best option.
Conservative Treatments Fail: If shoe changes, padding, or anti-inflammatory measures don’t help after 3-6 months, surgery may be needed.
Progressive Deformity: Bunions that worsen, pushing the big toe into neighboring toes, can lead to arthritis or hammertoes, making surgery preventive.
Keep in mind that surgery isn’t a quick fix. Recovery takes 6-12 weeks, and swelling can linger in summer’s humidity. During the winter, ice on walkways can be a hazard as you will have a harder time getting around during your recovery period. This is why careful planning is important if you decide that bunion surgery is the right course of action for you.
Non-Surgical Options: Often Effective
Thankfully, conservative approaches to bunion management exist. Many patients find relief without surgery, and bunions don’t always have to be a life-altering problem. If you’re interested in a non-surgical approach, consider the following:
- Proper Footwear: A patient, *Mark, from Myrtle Beach, eased his bunion pain by switching to wide toe-box sneakers after a virtual consult. I recommended specific brands through our portal, avoiding tight shoes that exacerbate bunions.
- Orthotics: For a teen patient from Oxford, NC, I ordered inserts to redistribute pressure away from her bunion, keeping her active in sports. These can be ordered via telehealth for delivery.
- Stretching and Physical Therapy: Gentle toe spacers and calf stretches can reduce joint stress. I prescribed a tailored regimen for a patient in Charlotte, monitored via evening telehealth sessions.
- Natural Supplements: Natural supplements prescribed through a telehealth visit may reduce swelling.
A Patient’s Story: Choosing the Right Path
A patient, *Lisa, from Spartanburg, messaged me through our portal about her worsening bunion pain. She dreaded surgery, fearing it would disrupt her job as a nurse.
During our telehealth consult, I reviewed her symptoms as she described her daily routine. I was also able to conduct an on-screen exam of her foot and bunion.
Her bunion was moderate, so we started with non-surgical measures: a shoe change, inserts, and a natural supplement regimen. Within two months, her pain dropped significantly, and she’s still surgery-free. For patients like Lisa, SmartStep Foot and Ankle’s telehealth model offers convenient, effective care without travel or surgery.
Why Telehealth with SmartStep Foot and Ankle?
As a telehealth-only practice, we serve all of North and South Carolina with no hassle, no driving to a clinic, and no waiting rooms. Our evening and weekend appointments fit your busy schedule, whether you’re in Boone or Beaufort.
Through our HIPAA-compliant patient portal, you can message me directly in between visits, and I can prescribe medications, recommend supplements, or order orthotics to help manage bunion pain. For surgical candidates, I can coordinate with local specialists and provide virtual pre- and post-op care to ensure a smooth process to help get you back in action.
When to Book a Virtual Visit
Schedule your visit with SmartStep Foot and Ankle if you experience:
- Persistent bunion pain, especially with swelling or redness
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes due to bunion deformity
- Toe misalignment affecting other toes or walking
Don’t wait for pain to worsen, and don’t spend hours in traffic or waiting rooms. A telehealth consult with SmartStep Foot and Ankle can clarify whether surgery or non-surgical care is your best path. We’re here to help you make the decision that’s right for your needs.
You Have Options in the Carolinas
Bunions don’t always mean surgery. I’ve seen countless patient stories that show that personalized care, whether non-surgical or surgical, can restore your stride. From the beaches of the Outer Banks to the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains, SmartStep Foot and Ankle here to keep you moving pain-free in 2025 and beyond, all through the ease and convenience of telehealth.
Get Solutions for Bunions, Virtually, in North and South Carolina
Unsure if your bunion needs surgery? Book a telehealth visit with SmartStep Foot and Ankle today! Our team is here to provide pre-surgery consulting, non-surgical bunion care, and more! At SmartStep Foot and Ankle, we’re taking foot care to the next level!
*All patient stories represent an amalgam of common patient complaints and conditions to ensure anonymity.
Dr. Thurmond Lanier
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