The question that we hear the most is, “do I really need bunion surgery”. The decision to surgically remove your bunion depends on several individual concerns: pain, aesthetic appearance, and possible physical or potential joint damage. If you are in pain and have physical structural damage that impedes your mobility then chances are that surgical bunion removal is a necessity – bunions do not get better on their own. If you have been medically diagnosed with a bunion and feel no pain it is important to understand that in most cases your bunion will becomes larger and has the potential to cause structural foot damage.
Will my insurance company pay for my bunion surgery? In most cases, yes.
What exactly are bunions? Bunions (medically referred to as hallux valgus) occur in both men and women when the big toe becomes misaligned. The classic symptoms of a bunion include a bump on the side of the foot by the big toe, pain and swelling over the big toe joint which is intensified when wearing shoes. Additionally, callused and red skin by the big toe is typically visible, the second toe may overlap the big toe, and changes to the shape of the foot are noticeable. Bunions also make it difficult to find shoes that fit properly.
Why did I develop a bunion? There are a number of causes including genetics (family history), poorly fitting foot wear (high heels, narrow toe box), and inflammatory joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes have been implicated such as flat feet (a genetic condition) and lax ligaments.
What are the symptoms? The most common symptom of a bunion is pain around the bunion when wearing closed foot wear and a visual and obvious deformity. Pain may also be experienced under the balls of the toes or in the big toe joint. However, some patients with bunions have no symptoms at all.
What type of bunion removal surgeries do you offer? The type of bunion removal surgery procedure performed depends on the severity of the bunion, your age, general health, activity level, and the condition of the bones and connective tissue. Your bunions surgery will be customized to your unique case. Our bunion surgery specialists are trained in all 44 possible variations of bunion removal surgery – however, your actual bunion removal surgery will be customized to your unique case.
What are the different types of bunion surgery you offer?
- Mild bunion removal surgery. If your bunion falls into this category the board certified surgeon may remove the enlarged portion of bone and may possibly realign the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joint.
- Moderate bunion removal surgery. With this surgery, the surgeon may cut the bone and shift it to its proper position. Whether or not the bone is cut depends on the severity and location of your bunion.
- Severe bunion removal surgery. For a severe bunion, surgery may involve removing the enlarged portion of the bone, cutting and realigning the bone, and correcting the position of the tendons and ligaments. This procedure is highly customizable and your options will be discussed during your consultation with the doctor.
- Arthritic bunion surgery. If the joint is damaged beyond repair, most commonly seen in the arthritic patient, it may necessary to reconstruct the foot and /or replace with an artificial joint.
What does bunion surgery achieve? The main goal of the surgery is to remove the bunion and deformity associated with the bunion, restore normal bone alignment, prevent recurrence, and yield an aesthetically pleasing surgical result.
Is the bunion removal surgery painful? The amount of pain experienced after bunion surgery will vary from one person to the next. Most of our patients will experience some mild discomfort for about three days after bunion surgery.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation please use the eForm on the right or contact us to get started on the road to recovery.
Bunion Surgery Group of NYC
1111 Park Avenue, Suite 1G
New York, NY 10128
(212) 658-1917