When Do You Fix A Bunion?

When Do You Fix A Bunion?

Bunions are seen as a bump on the inside of the big to joint, but it is more than just a growth. Bunions are caused by an unstable joint at the base of the toe, causing the bone to move outward and rotate.  This in turn causes the big to to drift toward the second. Bunions can be painful and swollen, often leading to arthritis and other deformities like hammer toes and callouses. While there are many conservative options for bunions such as wider shoes, padding and orthotics, surgery is sometimes required. So when is a bunion bad enough to fix?  

Painful Bunions

When a bunion is causing pain, it is time to think about surgical options. Bunion pain can be an aching in the joint, throbbing or rubbing in shoes. If your bunion is keeping you from doing reasonable activities such as running, jumping, hiking or sports, then surgery may be an option.

Difficulty Finding Shoes

A major complaint of patients with bunions is difficulty wearing shoes. As the bunion progresses, it can be difficult to find shoes to fit. Often patients are unable to wear dress shoes, boots or even athletic shoes without pain. If your bunion is keeping you from wearing reasonable shoe gear for your job or lifestyle, then surgery can be an option.

Causing Other Deformities

Bunions are a progressive disorder and worsen with age. This can cause the big toe to move over or under the second toe, causing hammer toes. It may also caused tightness in the shoes leading to tailor's bunions (Bunions on the other side of the foot) or other hammer toes. Additionaly as the great toe joint moves out of alignment, this can cause abnormal movement of the the big toe. The joint no longer tracks correctly and the cartilage can wear down leading to arthritis. Fixing the root cause of the bunion can realign the jont and stop the progression of these other problems.

It's Too Big!

The final reason to correct a bunion is cosmetic. Bunions can cause psychological stress due to patients worry over their body image. They may be afraid to walk barefoot or wear sandals so that people will not se their feet. Fixing the bunion cand lead to new confidence in self image!

Will My Insurance Cover A Bunionectomy

Most insurances will cover bunionectomy procedures including medicare and medicaid. This procedure is not a cosmetic procedure and there are codes in place to have insurances pay for the procedure.

Call our office today at 480-632-5757 for more information, or book online at www.AZChoiceFA.com