Bunion Treatment and Testing
If a bunion is causing you pain or discomfort, or otherwise affecting your quality of life, you should seek testing and treatment with an experienced podiatrist at the La Peer Health Systems Bunion Center of Excellence. Bunions tend to worsen with time, so it’s important to seek treatment early if you think you may be suffering from bunions.
Plus, bunion surgery is no longer scary like many people have heard in the past! Our expert physicians use the most minimally-invasive techniques available to ensure every patient is up and walking the same day of surgery! Contact us today for bunion testing and treatment by calling (888) 552-9732.
Diagnosing Bunions
A knowledgeable podiatrist will likely be able to identify a bunion just by examining your foot. During the exam, the doctor will visually inspect the foot and ask you to move your toes to determine if bunions have limited your range of motion.
The doctor may also order X-rays to determine how serious the bunion is and to rule out other causes of your protrusion. Occasionally, doctors may request MRIs, CT scans or bone scans to diagnose your foot problem.
Methods for Treating Bunions
Doctors classify bunions from mild to moderate and severe. If you think you may be developing a bunion, it’s important to visit an experienced podiatrist to determine the stage of your bunion before attempting to treat the problem yourself. As a whole, there are a variety of bunion treatments available.
For people with mild bunions, switching shoes may be enough to correct the problem. Bunion sufferers should avoid high heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes that force the big toe against the second toe.
In general, everyone should seek out shoes with low heels and ample toe room. It’s also important to have both of your feet measured individually to ensure that you are wearing the appropriate sizes.
For those with mild to moderate bunions, doctors may prescribe splints and orthotics to treat the problem. Attaching a splint to the inner side of the foot can help realign the big toe.
Your podiatrist may also recommend best pain relief pads for bunions or custom supports known as orthotics. These methods can help mitigate the effect of bunions by redistributing weight and alleviating the pressure on the big toe.
If a podiatrist determines that your bunion has progressed to the severe stage, surgery will likely be ordered to correct the problem.
What is Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery relieves pain and restores toe and foot function by correcting the alignment of the big toe. In general, bunion surgeries require the removal of the protrusion around the big toe joint and the realignment of the big toe.
In most cases, the surgeon must remove part of the bone in order to straighten the toe. This procedure is called a bunionectomy.
Although the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that 85-90 percent of patients are satisfied with their bunion surgery, the procedure is not for everyone. Some patients still experience pain after treatment.
Additionally, there is a possibility that your bunion could return in the future. If you’re interested in bunion surgery, feel free to contact our knowledgeable surgeons for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunion Treatment and Testing:
Q: What is a bunion?
A: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It can cause the toe to turn inward and cause pain, swelling, and redness.
Q: What are the symptoms of a bunion?
A: Bunions can cause a range of symptoms including pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes or walking. In some cases, they can even lead to arthritis in the affected joint.
Q: What causes bunions to develop?
A: Bunions can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, and repeated stress on the feet. They are also more common in women and can be exacerbated by certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Q: How are bunions diagnosed?
A: Bunions are typically diagnosed through a physical exam by a doctor or podiatrist. They may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to get a better look at the affected joint.
Q: What are the treatment options for bunions?
A: Treatment options for bunions can include wearing wider or more comfortable shoes, using over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, or undergoing surgery in more severe cases.
Q: Is surgery the best treatment for my bunions?
A: Surgery is generally regarded as an effective treatment for severe bunions. The best way to determine what treatment you should pursue for your bunions is to schedule a consultation with an experienced podiatrist.
Q: Will my bunion worsen without surgery?
A: Many bunions are progressive, meaning they worsen over time. If the cushioning sac of fluid covering the toe joint becomes inflamed, people may experience a great deal of pain, as well as an inability to pursue daily activities like walking and exercising. While not all bunions cause problems, surgery is the only way to correct a bunion permanently.
Q: When should I see a doctor for my bunions?
A: You should see a doctor or podiatrist if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty walking due to a bunion. They can recommend treatment options or further testing if necessary.
Q: Is it possible for my bunion to come back after I have surgery?
A: Bunions may recur after surgery. To prevent future bunions from developing, the surgeon will likely discuss preventative measures such as wearing appropriate footwear and using orthotics.
Q: Does surgery work for everyone?
A: Surgery is not an appropriate treatment for all bunion cases, and some people find that bunions recur even after surgery. The best way to determine if you are a surgical candidate is to see an experienced podiatrist.
Q: How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?
A: Because our doctors use the most advanced techniques, every single patient WALKS out of the operating room the same day of their surgery! But as a whole, depending on the severity of the bunion, recovering from surgery may take anywhere from weeks to months. However, the improvement can be remarkable when it comes to quality of life.
Generally, patients are able to have surgery and be weight-bearing immediately after surgery in a protective boot. Surgery is performed under local with IV sedation and generally does not require a general anesthetic.
Post operative pain is minimal and controlled with anti inflammatory medications the first 72 hours after surgery. A return to regular shoes occurs between 4-8 weeks after surgery.
Q: Will bunion treatment be covered by insurance?
A: Whether or not bunion treatment is covered by insurance can depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of the condition, the type of treatment needed, and the specific insurance plan.
Contact a Beverly Hills Foot Specialist
Bunions can be unsightly and cause foot pain, and there are many options available – both surgical and non-surgical. Call us at (888) 552-9732 to speak to one of our board-certified podiatrists and learn more about treatment options for your bunions.
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Next, learn more about bunionectomy.
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