Should You Get Bunion Surgery Before Your Second Child? A Mom’s Real Experience
Bunions can be a painful and persistent problem, particularly for women during and after pregnancy. Many mothers notice a sudden escalation in foot discomfort postpartum — sometimes leading them to consider bunion surgery sooner than expected.
One Reddit user in this thread shared her journey of undergoing bunion surgery between children. Her story offers valuable insight for moms facing similar decisions.
In this article, we explore:
- How pregnancy affects bunion severity
- Whether surgery is a smart option before expanding your family
- Non-invasive bunion pain relief tools backed by podiatric science
We also provide expert-backed guidance, FAQs, and actionable tips for managing bunions — with or without surgery.
Key Takeaways
✅ Pregnancy can accelerate bunion progression due to hormonal ligament changes and added weight.
✅ Bunion surgery before a second child may offer long-term relief — but depends on pain severity, timing, and your support system.
✅ Non-surgical options like orthopedic sleeves and toe spacers can be highly effective for mild to moderate bunions.
✅ Always consult a podiatrist before deciding on surgery or treatment.
Understanding Pregnancy’s Impact on Bunions
1. Hormonal Changes: Relaxin and Ligament Laxity
During pregnancy, your body releases the hormone relaxin, which softens ligaments to prepare the pelvis for childbirth. Unfortunately, this affects joints throughout the body — including your feet.
➡️ According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), this ligament laxity can cause the arch to fall and place more strain on the big toe joint — a common trigger for bunion progression.
2. Weight Gain and Postural Changes
Pregnancy-related weight gain increases the load on your feet. The pressure shifts your gait and balance, pushing the big toe out of alignment. This can either cause bunions to form or make existing ones worse.
📚 Source: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (2015) found that pregnancy-related foot changes are common and often lead to lasting structural alterations.
Why One Mom Chose Bunion Surgery Before Baby #2
A user on Reddit candidly explained why she underwent bunion surgery shortly after having her first child. Her story reflects a growing number of women choosing proactive treatment between pregnancies.
Her Primary Motivations:
- ✅ Pain Management: Daily discomfort was interfering with her ability to care for her toddler.
- ✅ Planning Ahead: She knew recovery would be harder with two small children.
- ✅ Support Network: Family nearby helped her manage post-surgical healing.
➡️ Her experience highlights the value of strategic timing and support when considering foot surgery around family planning.
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Should You Get Bunion Surgery Before Another Baby?
Surgical correction of bunions (hallux valgus) is a personal decision — but there are some clear factors to consider.
What to Ask Yourself:
- ❓ Is your pain interfering with daily activities or childcare?
- ❓ Can you take time off your feet during recovery (typically 6–8 weeks)?
- ❓ Do you have family or a partner who can help post-op?
- ❓ Are you planning another pregnancy in the next year?
Advantages of Early Surgery:
- ✔️ Resolves pain before it worsens
- ✔️ Easier to recover with one child than two
- ✔️ Prevents long-term joint damage and further misalignment
📌 Note: According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), early bunion surgery often leads to better outcomes and reduces the risk of arthritis developing at the joint.
Non-Surgical Bunion Relief Options
If surgery isn’t ideal right now, try these podiatrist-recommended tools and techniques to manage pain:
1. Orthopedic Bunion Correction Sleeves
These sleeves provide gentle realignment of the big toe and reduce friction inside shoes.
If you're looking for relief from bunion pain, consider using the Orthopedic Bunion Pain Relief & Correction Sleeve , which provides support and helps to alleviate discomfort.
2. Tailor’s Bunionette Sleeves
For those experiencing pain on the pinky toe side (bunionettes), these sleeves offer protection and pressure relief.
For additional protection, the Tailor's Bunion Bunionette Pain Relief Protection Sleeves are designed to offer comfort and protection for bunionette pain.
3. Supportive Footwear
Choose shoes with wide toe boxes and arch support. Avoid high heels or narrow, pointed shoes.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Oils
To nourish and soothe the skin around bunions, as well as to promote healthy hair, consider the Jamaica Black Castor Oil Soothing Oil . Known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps alleviate discomfort around bunions and supports hair growth and scalp health.
Expert Tips for Moms Managing Bunions
👣 Schedule regular foot evaluations with a podiatrist, especially during or after pregnancy.
👟 Invest in orthotics or custom insoles to reduce pressure on the bunion area.
🧊 Ice sore areas for 15–20 minutes after long walks or standing.
🧘♀️ Stretch your calves and toes daily to improve joint flexibility and foot alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can pregnancy cause bunions to develop?
Yes. Hormonal changes and increased weight during pregnancy can weaken foot structure and accelerate bunion formation.
Q: How long is the recovery from bunion surgery?
Most patients resume light walking in 2–3 weeks, but full recovery takes 6–12 weeks depending on the procedure.
Q: Can I wear orthopedic sleeves during pregnancy?
Absolutely. They’re safe and can provide much-needed relief from swelling and toe misalignment.
Q: Will bunions come back after surgery?
With proper footwear and care, recurrence is rare. However, some patients may need long-term orthotic support.
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Feet
Managing bunions as a mom is no small feat — especially when juggling family responsibilities. Whether you’re leaning toward surgery or exploring non-invasive support, the key is proactive care.
Talk to a podiatrist, plan ahead, and don’t ignore early signs of foot pain. Your well-being matters — not just for you, but for the little feet following in your footsteps.
💬 Have a story or question about bunion surgery and motherhood? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
Disclaimers & Disclosures
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed podiatrist or healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.
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