Capital Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Trinity Mereau and Dr. Steven Walters, is here to help you manage common conditions like bunions in Austin, TX. These painful problems can develop quickly and without warning, leaving you in great pain. But is a bunionectomy the right choice for you? Here are a few things to consider when debating this therapeutic option.

How Are They Normally Treated?

Conservative treatments for a bunion typically include wearing wider and softer shoes and using bunion pads or toe spacers to reduce pressure. Sometimes, anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce the bunion and make it go away. Most of the time, though, most people will need surgery.

Is Surgery Right for Me?

At Capital Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mereau and Dr. Walters can perform bunion surgery or bunionectomy to help you manage bunions. Austin, TX, residents like you deserve strong feet with minimal pain and suffering! We take your needs very seriously and make sure that all other conservative techniques have been exhausted before trying this intensive surgery. 

Before treatment, we’ll do a physical to ensure you’re strong enough, blood tests to ensure you’re healthy, an EKG to check for heart problems, and an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan of your foot to get the support you need. Make sure you stop taking certain types of painkillers and other medications and quit eating and drinking for the day before surgery.

Depending on your surgery, we might:

• Make a few cuts in your foot, insert screws or pins to realign your toe, and close the wound (Osteotomy)
• Fuse the joints in your toe and hold them together with screws to ensure they heal correctly (Arthrodesis)
• Remove the bunion and fuse the joints in your feet in such a way as to provide extra support (Lapidus)
• Shave off the bunion carefully while repositioning your big toe using an osteotomy (Exostectomy)

Once your surgery is over, we’ll watch you for a few hours or long enough for your anesthesia to wear off. Ensure you come with somebody else who can drive you home, as this procedure is typically outpatient. Pain might linger for a few days, so make sure you fill the painkiller prescriptions we provide and take them as needed.

Should I Work With You?

With the help of our team at Capital Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mereau and Dr. Walters can manage your bunions and minimize your pain in Austin, TX. Our team fully understands the severity of this condition and will work hard to ensure you feel comfortable with your treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 512-474-6666 if you need help with a bunionectomy.