bunion removal
I have very pronounced bunions on both feet and am beginning to look into surgery. I am 26 years old and wait tables for a living so I am on my feet all day I am also very athletic and the bunions have begun to hinder my activity. I would greatly appreciate some general information before I start making appointments. For instance:-Do I see a podiatrist or an orthopecic surgeon?-Typically, how long will I have to stay off my feet after surgery?-Is there any kind of ballpark financial figure or is it case specific?-Once surgery and recovery are complete, will I be able to do all the things I do now or will my feet be messed up for the rest of my life?-What happens if I don’t get them removed?
I look forward to hearing your answers. Thank you very much, Samantha
1 Comment found
Vivian Abrams DPM
I will try to address your questions as you askedDo I see a podiatrist or an orthopecic surgeon? Since I am a podiatrist, and can speak from personal experience, we consider ourselves to be the most well trained in the area of foot surgery. Granted there are orthopedists who do foot surgery and many may do a fine job, but the overwhelming amount of foot surgery is performed by podiatrists.Typically, how long will I have to stay off my feet after surgery?That depends on what procedures are performed, patient’s age and health, and what type of work the individual does. Being a waitress, you can assume it will be difficult to do for a number of weeks. The foot is the only part of the body that we cut on and people expect it to not be a big deal and are walking on it while it is healing.-Is there any kind of ballpark financial figure or is it case specific?Fees vary in different locales. Fees vary according to what procedure was performed. Insurance vs.cash? Don’t forget if this is done in a hospital or surgery center there will be other fees (anesthesiologist, pathologist, radiologist, surgery center etc)Once surgery and recovery are complete, will I be able to do all the things I do now or will my feet be messed up for the rest of my life?Wow!! No surgeon I know (nor have I) ever done a surgery with the expectation that the patient would be worse afterward. My goal in surgery is relief of pain and restore as much function as possible.-What happens if I don’t get them removed?You are not obligated to have your bunions operated on. It is an elective procedure- one you choose to have done. If conservative trreatment (such as wider shoes, orthotics etc) might help you then consider them.Hope this helps