Bunion Surgery Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Most people who have bunions don't consider bunion surgery unless they're experiencing significant pain, which can happen when the bunion has developed and worsened over an extended period of time.
Sadly, bunions don’t go away on their own, and will usually only increase in severity, especially if you don’t consult with a physician early on in your bunion development.1
When you get to the point where your bunions are painful enough to begin affecting mobility, it may be time to consider speaking with a doctor about whether you are a candidate for a surgical solution. There are several types of traditional bunion surgery, and the procedure recommended generally depends on whether a toe realignment will need to be performed.
There is now a more modern, less invasive surgical procedure available called the minimally invasive Phantom® Nail procedure, which requires smaller incisions and leaves the patient with a more stable construct.2
Whether your surgeon and you decide to go with traditional bunion surgery or the less-invasive Phantom® Nail procedure, you owe it to yourself to be as informed as possible.
We’ve compiled a list of questions you may want to ask your surgeon when discussing your options for relieving bunion pain:3
What can I do to avoid surgery?
Do splints and over-the-counter pads help relieve the discomfort?
How can you tell if I'm a good candidate for bunion surgery?
Should I have the surgery done now, or wait a while?
Will my bunion get worse over time?
Is the surgery a painful process?
Will I be given an anesthetic before the surgery?
How long does recovery take?
Is this a procedure that will be covered by my insurance company?
Do bunions come back after the surgery?
Are there different kinds of bunion surgery, and which would be best for me?
Are there any complications resulting from bunion surgery?
How big will the scars from surgery be?
Do you offer the minimally invasive Phantom® Nail procedure?
It might be a good idea to print these questions out and take them with you to a consultation with your physician, so you don't forget to ask something important.
References
1. https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-bunion-surgery
2. https://www.misbunionfix.com
3. https://www.thereadypatient.com/foot-ankle/questions-to-ask-when-considering-bunion-surgery.html
4. https://www.advancedfootdocs.com/blog/2015/09/answers-to-patient-questions-about-bunion-surgery/
