One of the most common foot problems in the United States, bunions occur more often in women than in men. It has long been believed that tight-fitting or narrow shoes caused bunions, but that is a myth. Bunions are actually caused by a hereditary foot type, but poorly fitting shoes do tend to aggravate the condition.
Bunions occur when the joint at the base of the big toe is not aligned properly, causing it to bulge and bend toward the other toes. The little toe can also be affected by bunions. These are commonly called tailor's bunions. When a bunion makes it painful and difficult to walk, it is time to consider surgery, which naturally brings up many questions, including the 11 presented below.
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1. What does bunion surgery involve?
During bunion surgery, the bone is cut. Then the bone, ligaments and tendons are realigned so they can heal properly. If the joint is also arthritic, it may need to be fused or replaced with an artificial joint.
During bunion surgery, the bone is cut. Then the bone, ligaments and tendons are realigned so they can heal properly. If the joint is also arthritic, it may need to be fused or replaced with an artificial joint.
2. How do I know if I need bunion surgery?
Not everyone with bunions will require surgery. In general, if the bunion makes it too painful to walk, you may be a candidate for surgery. Consult a podiatrist to make the final determination. In most cases, if the angle of your toe is more than 12 percent, surgery will be needed to correct it.
Not everyone with bunions will require surgery. In general, if the bunion makes it too painful to walk, you may be a candidate for surgery. Consult a podiatrist to make the final determination. In most cases, if the angle of your toe is more than 12 percent, surgery will be needed to correct it.
3. Is bunion surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, the answer is yes. You should call your insurance provider to check if this is true in your case.
In most cases, the answer is yes. You should call your insurance provider to check if this is true in your case.
4. Will my bunion get better without surgery?
In most cases, bunions will continue to worsen. Some progress slowly, however, and can be managed with treatments such as different shoes, orthotic devices, pain medication or injections. Your doctor will be able to determine the best option for you.
In most cases, bunions will continue to worsen. Some progress slowly, however, and can be managed with treatments such as different shoes, orthotic devices, pain medication or injections. Your doctor will be able to determine the best option for you.
5. Will surgery require a hospital stay?
In most cases, bunion surgery is done on an out-patient basis. Sometimes more involved surgeries require an overnight stay at the hospital, so be sure to ask what to expect for your surgery.
In most cases, bunion surgery is done on an out-patient basis. Sometimes more involved surgeries require an overnight stay at the hospital, so be sure to ask what to expect for your surgery.
6. How will my pain be managed?
Surgery is typically done under local anesthesia to make your foot numb while you remain conscious. You will also be given something to help you relax during surgery. After surgery you will be given instructions to manage your pain, which may include pain medications.
Surgery is typically done under local anesthesia to make your foot numb while you remain conscious. You will also be given something to help you relax during surgery. After surgery you will be given instructions to manage your pain, which may include pain medications.
7. How long will it take to recover?
The recovery time will vary depending on the type of surgery you require, so ask your doctor what to expect. In general, people are able to walk within a few days to as long as several weeks. Full recovery can take four to six months. It is important to follow your doctor's guidance on this so your foot heals properly.
The recovery time will vary depending on the type of surgery you require, so ask your doctor what to expect. In general, people are able to walk within a few days to as long as several weeks. Full recovery can take four to six months. It is important to follow your doctor's guidance on this so your foot heals properly.
8. Can bunions come back after surgery?
Unfortunately, sometimes bunions do come back. Following your doctor's recommendations regarding recovery, as well as ongoing foot care and lifestyle changes, will reduce the possibility of bunions returning.
Unfortunately, sometimes bunions do come back. Following your doctor's recommendations regarding recovery, as well as ongoing foot care and lifestyle changes, will reduce the possibility of bunions returning.
9. What kind of lifestyle changes must I make?
Once the deformity is fixed, you will likely need to make a few changes in how you care for your feet. For example, you probably will not be able to wear narrow, high-heeled shoes. In fact, you may need to wear special shoes. You may also need physical therapy to hep strengthen your foot.
Once the deformity is fixed, you will likely need to make a few changes in how you care for your feet. For example, you probably will not be able to wear narrow, high-heeled shoes. In fact, you may need to wear special shoes. You may also need physical therapy to hep strengthen your foot.
10. What are the risks of surgery?
Ask your doctor about any potential risks associated with your specific type of surgery such as infection, blood clots or nerve injury. No surgery is risk-free.
Ask your doctor about any potential risks associated with your specific type of surgery such as infection, blood clots or nerve injury. No surgery is risk-free.
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11. How many surgeries like this have you done?
Confirm that you have a board-certified orthopedic surgeon to do your bunion surgery, and ask how much experience the surgeon has with your type of surgery as well as the surgeon's success rate.
Confirm that you have a board-certified orthopedic surgeon to do your bunion surgery, and ask how much experience the surgeon has with your type of surgery as well as the surgeon's success rate.