Bunion Surgery FAQs
- Will my insurance company pay for surgery?
In most cases, yes. We will let you know if your insurance carrier covers your surgery or partially covers your bunion surgery.
- What exactly is a bunion?
A bunion is not an abnormal growth on the side of your foot, but a mal-alignment of your big toe joint. The bones that make up your big toe joint, are no longer aligned straight, but are moving in opposite directions, causing the prominence that you see. Bunions are almost always hereditary and can be worsened by shoes and abnormal mechanics of feet.
- Will they get worse?
Because they are are progressive, they don't go away, and will usually get worse over time. But not all cases are alike.
- When should you have surgery?
We will use the following criteria as a best in class guideline when determining if surgery is indicated:
- You have been diagnosed by the doctor with a bunion
- You may have been diagnosed with progressive arthritis confirmed by clinical exam and x-rays
- You feel you have exhausted all conservative care. Conservative therapy may include the following and can be provided by the doctor
- Functional orthotics prescribed a your podiatrist and designed to relieve pressure within the big toe joint
- Shoe therapy (including proper shoes for your foot type and activities and possible modifications to your shoes)
- Activity modifications
- You have unsuccessfully tried medications – short term therapy may help to reduce inflammation
- Pain inside the joint
- Do they get bigger if they are not treated?
Unfortunately, they are known to increase in size if they are not treated, but there is no method of accurately predicting when a particular bunion may become larger. If you are concerned that your bunion may grow, then it is best to visit the doctor who will be able to examine your bunion and from there determine whether there is a significant risk of your bunion becoming worse.
- Is this an outpatient surgery procedure? Will I go home the same day?
Yes, this is an outpatient procedure. Surgery usually takes about one hour to complete. You will go home the same day. There is no hospitalization required.
- Should people with diabetes consider surgery?
People with Type 2 Diabetes may have an increased risk of developing bunions and other foot problems including dangerous ulcers.