Do you notice a painful bump on the side of your big toe? You might be dealing with a bunion, a common foot deformity that can gradually worsen without proper care. At Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Dean Kim helps patients understand their bunion treatment options — from conservative care to advanced bunion surgery.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion (also known as hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when the bones in the front part of your foot shift out of alignment, causing the big toe to angle inward toward the second toe. Over time, this misalignment causes the joint to protrude outward, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Common Causes of Bunions
Bunions develop over time and can be caused by several factors, including:
- Genetics: A family history of bunions increases your risk.
- Foot Structure: Flat feet, low arches, or joint instability can contribute to bunion formation.
- Improper Footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes place pressure on the big toe joint.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can damage the toe joint and promote bunion growth.
- Injury or Overuse: Repeated stress or trauma to the foot can also lead to deformity.
Bunion Symptoms to Watch For
You may not notice a bunion at first, but over time the symptoms become more obvious — and more uncomfortable. These include:
- A visible bump on the outside of the big toe joint
- Pain or soreness in the big toe, especially when walking
- Redness, swelling, or calluses around the joint
- Stiffness or limited movement of the big toe
- Difficulty wearing shoes or finding a proper fit
If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life or worsening over time, it’s important to consult with a podiatrist for early bunion treatment.
Conservative Bunion Treatments
Not all bunions require surgery. At Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Dean Kim offers non-surgical options to manage bunion pain and slow progression, including:
- Custom Orthotics: These inserts help redistribute pressure and correct foot alignment.
- Supportive Footwear: Wearing wide-toed shoes with firm soles and good arch support can reduce discomfort.
- Padding & Taping: Protective padding and proper taping techniques can reduce friction and realign the toe temporarily.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Cortisone Injections: For more intense inflammation, an injection may provide temporary relief.
How Dr. Kim Fixes Bunions with a Minimally Invasive Technique
At Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Dean Kim uses a minimally invasive approach to correct bunions—offering patients faster recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery. Rather than making large incisions, Dr. Kim uses specialized instruments through small keyhole-sized openings to realign the bone and soft tissue of the big toe joint. This technique reduces trauma to surrounding structures, preserves stability, and significantly shortens downtime.
To further enhance healing and reduce postoperative discomfort, Dr. Kim incorporates MLS Laser Therapy as part of his comprehensive bunion treatment plan.
What Is MLS Laser Therapy and How Does It Help?
MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser Therapy is an advanced, FDA-cleared technology that uses synchronized dual-wavelength laser energy to promote healing at the cellular level. It is non-invasive, painless, and effective in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and accelerating tissue repair.
For bunion treatment and recovery, MLS offers several key benefits:
- Reduces inflammation and swelling around the surgical site
- Accelerates healing of soft tissues and incisions
- Decreases post-operative pain without relying on medication
- Stimulates circulation and collagen production, which aids bone and tissue regeneration
- Improves range of motion and reduces stiffness after surgery
Whether you’re undergoing minimally invasive bunion correction or managing bunion pain non-surgically, MLS Laser Therapy is an excellent addition to your treatment plan.
When to Consider Bunion Surgery
If conservative treatments are no longer effective, bunion surgery (also known as a bunionectomy) may be the best option to restore comfort and function.
You may be a candidate for surgery if:
- Pain persists even when wearing comfortable shoes
- The bunion affects your ability to walk or perform daily activities
- You’ve developed secondary issues like hammertoes or joint damage
- The deformity continues to worsen
Dr. Dean Kim specializes in advanced surgical techniques that correct the alignment of the bones, relieve pressure on the joint, and restore the natural shape of the foot. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis, and recovery times vary depending on the severity of the bunion and the surgical approach.
Benefits of MIS Bunion Correction
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for bunion correction offers numerous advantages compared to traditional open procedures. Key benefits include:
- Smaller incisions – Less trauma to the skin and surrounding soft tissue
- Reduced pain and swelling – Faster, more comfortable recovery
- Minimal scarring – Improved cosmetic results
- Faster return to activity – Shorter downtime and quicker rehabilitation
- Lower risk of complications – Less chance of infection or stiffness
- Preserved joint function and stability – Promotes better long-term outcomes
- Improved overall foot function – Enhanced mobility and balance
This advanced surgical approach, combined with post-operative MLS Laser Therapy, allows Dr. Kim to deliver high-quality outcomes with less disruption to your daily life.
Get Expert Bunion Treatment in Texas
You don’t have to live with bunion pain. Whether you’re seeking non-surgical solutions or want to explore your options for bunion surgery, our team is here to help.
Call Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist today at 469-384-2135 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean Kim — your trusted foot and ankle specialist in Texas.
Relief from bunion pain starts with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Take the first step toward healthier feet today.
