1. How long will I be on crutches or not able to bear weight on the foot? This is important as after some bunion operations you can start bearing weight on the foot within two to three days. However, with some operations it could be as long as 6-8 weeks. Generally speaking, the younger the patient the more severe the bunion, the longer the patient will be held off their foot. On rare occasions the time off the foot may vary based on complications that arise during the surgery. But 95% of the time, when the Podiatrist tells you how long you will be off your foot following bunion surgery, they are accurate.
2. Will the surgery be performed at a surgery center or a hospital? Hospitals tend to not look fondly on elective foot surgery, often giving bad start times. Surgery centers many times will give morning start times and make the surgery a more pleasant experience. Whenever possible try and have the Podiatrist perform the surgery at a surgery center even if it means you have to wait an extra week or two to get in. It will be worth the wait in the long run.
3. How long until I can perform high impact activity such as running or playing sports? Just because a Podiatrist clears you to weight bear does not mean he has cleared you for other activities. If running or playing sports is important you need to have a time table. Sometimes it can be as long as 4-5 months.
4. What kind of fixation for the bunion do you use? Depending on the type of fixation from absorbable screws, plates, to K wires that protrude from the skin, sometimes the fixation has to be taken out as you need to know what is in there. With K wires they are removed in the office, and you should be prepared to have wires sticking out of your foot. Whereas solitary screws most of the time can stay in your foot forever. Plates, however, can become prominent and often need to be taken out. It is very important you are aware of the type of fixation used in your bunion surgery.
5. How many bunion surgeries do you perform a month? Bunion surgery is a simple operation. If a Podiatrist is doing anywhere from three to four a month, they are skilled. It shows there is demand for this service that the Podiatrist offers, as well as demonstrating that he is competent at the procedure and getting regular work and repetition with the procedure. Letters and Board certification are great, but you want a Podiatrist that is doing Bunion surgery regularly.
Are there any risks to bunion removal surgery?
The patient should be aware that there are many risks associated with bunion removal surgery. The most common complications of bunion surgery include:
- Bunion recurrence ( coming back ).
- Incomplete removal of the bunion.
- Removal of screws is another surgical procedure and requires four weeks in a boot.
- Swelling & Pain remains for 6 months.
- Development of arthritis.
- Symptomatic or painful hardware.
More serious, but fortunately less common, complications include:
- Infection or inflammation, bleeding.
- Problems healing the incisions.
- Clots in the legs.
- Problems healing the bones.
In general, only healthy patients without serious medical problems should be considered for bunion removal surgery.
Orthopedic Bunion Pain Relief & Correction Sleeves With Silicone Gel Protection Pads
One of the most effective & podiatrist-recommended ways to treat bunions are orthopedic sleeves with silicone gel pads, specifically designed by professionals, in consultation with surgeons, to release built up pressure & pain in your toes, stop the bunion from progressing to worse conditions, eliminate daily swelling, chronic pain, inflammation, prevent blisters, calluses, corns and get you back on your feet fast without any discomfort.
Wear it around the house during normal daily activities or in bed while asleep as a night sleeve. They are great for walking, running and people who like to stay active. They slip onto the foot like a sock and can be worn in shoes, socks, barefoot all day for maximum comfort, correction and pain relief.
Comfort score: 10/10
Pain relief score: 10/10
Long-term solution: 9/10
