Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is usually fully or partially covered by insurance if it is painful for you. Coverage by insurance is always checked prior to performing the surgery so you are aware of any costs to you.

A bunion is a bump that forms on the side of the foot near the big toe or the little toe at the metatarsal phalangeal joint. Due to the position of the bump, a bending of the big toe occurs, which may lead to crossing of the toes, or worse, a painful arthritis will form.

Bunions typically become noticeable and painful in early adulthood between the ages of twenty and forty, and become more pronounced with age and activity. Usually bunions are caused by a genetic muscular imbalance and not by wearing improper shoes; however, improper shoes will make the bunion hurt. In third world countries, where shoes are not worn, bunions are still frequently seen reinforcing that shoes do not cause bunions. In most cases, bunions are hereditary, and may occur with other foot problems. If your parents or grandparents had problems with bunions, you may likely get them as well.

Patients with bunions might notice redness, swelling, pain and an angular protrusion at the side of the foot by the big toe. Crossing of the first and second toes may occur.

 

Patients may also experience cramping and overall fatigue in the arch of the foot.
The longer you leave a bunion untreated, the more harm it will cause. Arthritis may form in the joint and a deformation of the foot may follow, causing pain.

Generally, X-rays of your feet and a physical exam are the only tests required.

If your bunion is not painful or you catch it early in its development, a non-surgical or conservative treatment plan may be effective. This usually includes good supportive shoes with the addition of custom orthotics – a custom-made arch support worn in your shoes. The orthotics will provide support to the structures of the foot (bones, muscles, and ligaments) and will balance your feet while walking. By supporting the muscular imbalance of the foot, we may be able to slow the progression of the bunion deformity. Custom orthotics are used to reduce pain and slow or stop the progression of the bunion deformity. Orthotics will not correct the bunion, and no bracing or devices have been proven to correct bunions.