The cost of bunion surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, the location of the procedure, your health insurance or Medicare coverage, and other factors. In most cases, if your bunion pain is causing physical limits and your podiatrist deems surgery medically essential, insurance will pay the procedure. However, the amount your insurance will cover is determined by the plan you have.
How do you qualify for bunion surgery?
If you have severe foot discomfort that persists even when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes, you may need bunion surgery. When rest and medications fail to relieve chronic big toe irritation and swelling, surgery may be required.
Toe deformity, a drifting in of the big toe toward the tiny toe, and an inability to flex and straighten the big toe are all indications for surgery.
Your healthcare professional may prescribe bunion surgery for various reasons.
What age should you get bunion surgery?
When it comes to treating bunions in the big toe, I’m always hesitant to make snap conclusions (Hallux valgus). In fact, I prefer that my patients exercise prudence so that all of the facts are laid out and understood. Consider two patients: C, who is in her sixties, and F, who is in her twenties.
C was on the mend after her second surgery on her opposite big toe. She ran into obstacles again, but was not deterred from continuing. Healing required time due to slow healing, a tiny wound infection, and edema. When we eventually got to the stage when everything was fixed at 10 weeks, I was overjoyed. All of the rules were adhered to, but that was simply the way things were. Most patients do well, and being sixty or older isn’t a concern as long as medical health is in order, which C’s was.
F was a charmingly self-reliant young lady. She wanted both feet treated for a minor abnormality, but she also wanted to fly to Australia 8 weeks after surgery. This increased the chances of a blood clot. We can reduce the danger by minimizing alcohol on the flight, taking a 75mg aspirin, and wearing flight socks, but not by exposing the wound to Australian sun. First and foremost, you must understand that if both feet are operated on at the same time, you will be DISABLED! Depending on how well you do, this might last 2-6 weeks. Reoccurrence? Yes, being under 30 is riskier, but it’s not impossible. You can have surgery at any age, but 35-45 is still the greatest age for me in terms of risk and optimism.
Is bunion surgery an elective?
Because bunion surgery is a cosmetic treatment rather than a medical need, deciding whether “it’s time” is a judgment call you’ll have to make in consultation with your podiatrist.
In general, the following signs would lead us to prescribe a surgical procedure:
- You’ve had discomfort in your feet for a long timeusually at least a year.
- You’ve tried every available conservative therapy option and they’ve either failed or stopped functioning.
- Due to pain or a lack of movement, your bunion prevents you from participating in certain activities that are important to you.
After we’ve concluded that surgery is required, the following step is to select a date and ensure that you’re ready.
Remember that any operation will include certain post-operative recovery and rehab requirements. Additionally, foot surgery will limit your mobility for a period of time.
We’ll show you how to keep your weight on your heel and change your gait pattern so you can get on with your day as normally as possible. However, it’s crucial that you keep your weight off the surgical site and carefully follow rehab instructions, especially during the first two weeks of recuperation. Patients who do not follow their instructions within the first two weeks are by far the most common cause of bunion surgery complications.
As a result, we urge you to do all necessary to make the transfer as seamless and painless as possible.
If you have friends or family members who can assist you with daily tasks during the first few weeks, ask for their support.
Stock up on food and supplies as much as possible so you don’t have to go out and obtain them throughout your recovery.
Set up a sleeping area on the ground floor and move daily items there so you don’t have to trek up and down the stairs as much.
Planning ahead of time for these things will make your recuperation go more smoothly, reduce your daily stress, and help you get the best possible outcome from your operation.
Please see Dr. Scudday right once if your bunion is causing you more pain and worry in your life. Whether you need surgery or not, we’ll walk you through a pain-free treatment plan so you can go back to doing what you love.
How long do you have to be off work for bunion surgery?
You can take actions to prevent bunions from returning after bunion surgery. Wearing tight-fitting shoes is one of the most common causes of bunions. Be warned that resuming the usage of a too-tight shoe may result in the recurrence of bunions.
Additionally, if the bunion was caused by a pronated (flatter) foot type to begin with, an orthotic may be useful in preventing recurrence.
If your bunion is caused by equinus (tight calf muscles), stretching may assist.
If you have painful bony bumps called bunions, your doctor may propose bunion surgery. Bunions can be treated surgically to relieve pain and restore foot function. The majority of patients who have bunion surgery recover quickly and can return to their normal activities in six to twelve weeks.
Is removing a bunion painful?
There are over 100 procedures for bunions, and many procedures may be performed at the same time. The following are some of the most common surgeries:
- Exostectomy or bunionectomy – These operations entail removing a portion of the metatarsal head, which is the hump that protrudes from the toe joint and causes the bunion.
- Realignment operations As a bunion grows, the big toe commonly turns in, which is a major source of pain. To reduce pain, realigning bones (osteotomy) or ligaments helps restore toes to their original position.
- Fusion procedures – A fusion surgery helps to alleviate discomfort by preventing movement between two bones. The following are two common bunions fusion surgeries:
- The joint between the metatarsal bone and the mid-foot is fused using the Lapidus method.
- Implant – An implant surgery includes replacing a broken toe joint with an artificial joint, either partially or completely.
How long does bunion surgery take?
The length of time it takes to have bunion surgery is determined by a number of factors, including the type of surgery you’re having and whether you’re having numerous treatments done at the same time.
The surgery itself will usually take an hour or longer, but you’ll need to stay at the hospital or surgical center for a few of hours before and after. Bunion surgery is normally performed as an outpatient treatment, which means you’ll be able to go home and recover the same day.
Is bunion surgery painful?
The surgery isn’t painful in and of itself. Your foot will be numbed with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. In addition, you will be given a sedative to help you relax.
What happens if a bunion is left untreated?
A bunion is a noticeable lump on the side of the big toe that usually develops as a result of repeatedly wearing ill-fitting shoes or applying extended pressure to the joint at the base of the foot. Some people are more prone to bunions than others, depending on the form or size of their feet. While there are some home cures that may help with large and minor bunions (bunionettes), surgery is usually the best solution.
A bunion can lead to arthritis if left untreated, especially if the big toe joint has undergone substantial, long-term damage. Bunions can cause cartilage to degrade in the joint. Bunions can be treated surgically, but arthritis and the likelihood of chronic pain are not. Interventional therapy techniques, on the other hand, may be able to alleviate discomfort.
Crossover toe is another issue that people may have if they do not seek the necessary surgery. The second toe lies on top of the big toe when you have crossover toe. While an uneven foot structure is usually the cause, an untreated bunion puts you at a higher chance of getting crossing toe.
These are just a handful of the risks that patients face if they don’t get the surgery or treatment they require. In addition to the heightened dangers of this condition, the quality of life may suffer. Bunions are known for worsening with time, which can result in a variety of issues such as toes rubbing against each other, causing pain while walking, or the difficulty to wear shoes that fit.
You’re more likely to acquire other illnesses and pain if your bunion is inflamed. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our orthopedic surgeons who specialize in foot and ankle operations if you would like your bunion assessed and surgically removed.
Do bunions grow back after surgery?
Is it possible for bunions to regrow after surgery? The chance of recurrence after bunion surgery exists, however it is uncommon. Bunions, on the other hand, recur but do not regrow when they come back. That’s because a bunion is a dislocation of the big toe joint, not a bone growth.
How can I shrink my bunions naturally?
- Wide shoes with a low heel and a comfortable sole are ideal. Bunion discomfort is usually eased by wearing wider shoes with enough toe room and other easy therapies that release pressure on the big toe.
How can I fix my bunion without surgery?
Unless medically treated, bunions are permanent. However, according to podiatrist Dina Stock, DPM, there are some steps you may take to improve your comfort or halt the spread of a bunion.
“It may just be a matter of wearing appropriately fitting shoes for many people,” she explains. “Choose comfortable, low-heeled shoes with enough of room for your toes and the broadest section of your foot.”
According to Dr. Stock, the following seven methods may help reduce pain and strain on the toe joint:
- A moleskin or gel-filled pad, which can be purchased at a drugstore, can be used to protect the bunion.
- Shoe inserts can assist with proper foot positioning. These can be over-the-counter arch supports or orthotic devices prescribed by a doctor.
- Wear a splint at night under the supervision of a doctor to keep the toe straight and relieve discomfort.
- Purchase footwear with a broad toe area and a good fit. Shop at a store where the professionals can take your foot measurements and fit you with the right shoe.
According to Dr. Botek, some people want to cure their bunions by stretching their feet to realign their toes or utilizing devices like toe spacers or bunion splints. However, the device is often like a pair of glasses: as you take them off, the effect is gone.
When it’s time for surgery
Your podiatrist may propose surgery if your bunion is extremely painful. “Dr. Botek advises, “First do surgery on your shoes.” “It may be time to consider bunion surgery if pain lasts longer than a year, although most people will experience bunions and pain on and off for years before opting for surgery.”
Do bunions get worse with age?
In most cases, foot problems begin in early adulthood. Our feet stretch as we become older, and the problems tend to get worse.
- The length of the legs If one of your legs is longer than the other, the longer one’s big toe may develop a bunion.
- Arthritis. Bunions are more common in those who have certain types of arthritis. Inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, is especially prone to this.
- Shoes. Bunions can be exacerbated by wearing high heels or tight shoes. This is why they affect women more frequently than men.