Bunion Surgery & Treatment in Marietta, GA

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe. It develops as the bones at the front of the foot move out of alignment and the big toe begins to angle toward the smaller toes. The joint may become red, swollen, stiff, or tender, especially when a shoe presses against it.

Some bunions are visible but do not interfere with daily life. Others cause a deep ache, sharp pain with walking, trouble fitting into shoes, or crowding of the neighboring toes. Because arthritis, gout, and other problems can also cause pain around the big-toe joint, an examination helps confirm what is actually causing your symptoms.

Bunions usually change gradually. The size of the bump alone does not decide treatment: Dr. Iwu also considers pain, joint movement, footwear limits, and whether the deformity is progressing.

Non-surgical bunion treatment

Many patients begin with conservative care. These measures do not realign the bones, but they can reduce pressure and help you stay comfortable. Depending on the examination, your plan may include:

• Supportive shoes with a wide, deep toe box
• Padding or splints to limit rubbing and irritation
• Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and support the foot
• Medication to calm inflammation during a flare-up
• Changes to activities that repeatedly aggravate the joint

Conservative care may be enough when pain is occasional and your preferred shoes and activities are still manageable. Dr. Iwu can also help you understand what these options can and cannot change so you have realistic expectations.

When bunion surgery makes sense

Surgery is considered when the bunion continues to limit you after appropriate non-surgical care. Reasons to have that conversation include pain at rest, persistent pain with walking, difficulty finding shoes, increasing stiffness, a deformity that continues to progress, or a big toe that crowds the others.

The decision is based on function and pain, not appearance. A large bunion that is comfortable may not need an operation, while a smaller bunion that makes every step difficult may deserve a surgical discussion. Dr. Iwu will examine the joint and explain whether continued conservative care or correction is the more appropriate path.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery (what's different)

Traditional bunion surgery uses a larger incision to reach and correct the bones and joint. Minimally invasive bunion surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to make the correction. For appropriate patients, the smaller approach may mean less tissue disruption, less swelling, smaller scars, and a faster return to shoes and regular activity.

No single procedure is right for every foot. The size of the deformity, condition of the joint, and your health and activity goals all matter. A more advanced bunion may need a different approach. Dr. Iwu will explain which option fits your foot and why, along with the risks and expected limitations.

Recovery: what to expect

Recovery varies with the procedure and the way your body heals. You may need a protective surgical shoe, reduced activity, dressing care, and follow-up visits while the correction heals. Returning to regular shoes, work, driving, or exercise happens in stages rather than on one universal schedule.

Before surgery, the team will discuss practical planning: how much time you may need away from specific duties, which activities to avoid, how to protect the foot, and when follow-up is needed. Dr. Iwu will estimate your timeline at your visit and adjust advice as healing progresses. Following those instructions is an important part of protecting the correction.

Why patients choose in-house surgery at Choice Podiatry

Dr. Vivian Iwu is a board-certified podiatrist who provides both conservative and surgical bunion care. When minimally invasive surgery is appropriate, it is performed in-house at Choice Podiatry Center, allowing patients to receive evaluation, treatment, and follow-up through the same Marietta practice.

Patients from across Cobb County can ask questions directly, understand the reason for each recommendation, and receive a plan shaped around their work, footwear, and mobility goals. The focus is thoughtful care and clear expectations from the first consultation through recovery.

Insurance and booking

Choice Podiatry Center accepts CareSource, BlueCross BlueShield, Anthem, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage varies by plan, so contact your insurer and our office to review benefits and any expected responsibility before treatment.

To discuss bunion care with Dr. Iwu, request an appointment online or call (770) 702-8723. The office is at 540 Powder Springs St SW, Suite B6, Marietta, GA 30064.