When considering bunion surgery, being well-informed and prepared can significantly improve your experience and long-term outcome. A bunion can cause chronic pain, difficulty walking, and deformities that affect your daily life. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Whether you’re seeing a bunion surgeon for the first time or have been recommended for surgery by your primary care physician, asking the right questions is essential to feel confident about your treatment.
At PR Foot & Ankle Specialists, located in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Grand Island, Gretna, Norfolk, Hebron, York, Wahoo, Falls City, and Auburn, we emphasize patient education and ensure that our clients make informed decisions about their foot health. Before you decide on bunion surgery, be sure to ask these five important questions to your surgeon.
1. What Type of Bunion Surgery Do You Recommend for Me?
Every bunion is unique, and the right treatment will vary depending on the size of the bunion, the severity of the deformity, your age, activity level, and any other health conditions. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to foot and ankle surgery. Your surgeon will likely discuss options such as osteotomy (cutting and realigning the bone), Lapiplasty® (a more advanced method to realign the joint), or arthrodesis (fusion of the joint). Each procedure comes with different recovery times, success rates, and potential risks.
When you ask this question, make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of why the specific type of surgery is recommended for your condition. Your bunion surgeon should explain how the procedure will directly benefit your situation and provide a clear comparison between the available options.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon why they prefer one method over the others. A transparent conversation will give you confidence in the treatment plan.
2. What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period?
Knowing what to expect during recovery is vital to set your expectations and plan for any time off work or adjustments in your daily routine. Recovery times can vary depending on the type of surgery, but it typically ranges from a few weeks to several months. For example, after some bunion surgeries, you may need to wear a special shoe or boot for up to six weeks, and full weight-bearing activities may be restricted for two to three months.
Recovery also includes follow-up appointments with your bunion surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure that no complications arise. Physical therapy may be required to restore movement and strength in the foot, and in some cases, you may need to modify your activity level for an extended period.
You should also inquire about pain management options during recovery. While some pain is to be expected after surgery, it should be manageable with prescribed pain relief. Your surgeon should provide a plan for managing swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
3. Are There Any Risks or Complications I Should Be Aware Of?
Like any surgery, bunion surgery carries some inherent risks. Potential complications include infection, nerve damage, the possibility of the bunion recurring, and stiffness or pain in the joint after surgery. Some people also experience complications like blood clots or delayed wound healing, though these are rare.
It’s essential to discuss these risks with your bunion surgeon to ensure you are fully informed. An experienced surgeon will explain how they mitigate these risks and outline the steps taken before, during, and after surgery to minimize complications. Your surgeon may also discuss any specific factors, such as your medical history or lifestyle, that could affect the healing process.
By having an open conversation about potential risks, you will be better prepared for the surgery and more confident about the process.
4. How Experienced Are You with Bunion Surgeries?
The experience level of your bunion surgeon plays a significant role in your surgery’s outcome. Surgeons who specialize in foot and ankle surgeries often have more expertise in handling complex cases and can provide better results. Don’t hesitate to ask how many bunion surgeries they perform annually and inquire about their success rate. An experienced surgeon should feel confident in providing you with this information and any additional relevant data that can help you assess their qualifications.
At PR Foot & Ankle Specialists, our board-certified surgeons have successfully performed hundreds of bunion surgeries, and we continuously update our skills and techniques to provide the best care for our patients. Experience not only improves the technical aspects of surgery but also helps surgeons handle unexpected situations that may arise during the procedure.
5. What Will My Foot Look and Feel Like After Surgery?
One of the biggest concerns patients have before bunion surgery is what their foot will look like afterward. While the primary goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and improve functionality, cosmetic concerns are also important. Ask your bunion surgeon what the surgical site will look like post-operation, how noticeable the scar will be, and if the procedure will change the appearance of your foot.
It’s also important to understand how your foot will feel after surgery. Will you experience any long-term stiffness? How will the realignment affect your gait? Will you be able to wear normal shoes without discomfort?
While every patient’s results may vary, your surgeon should provide realistic expectations based on their experience with similar cases. They may also show you before-and-after photos of previous patients to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Asking these essential questions ensures you’re well-prepared for your bunion surgery and recovery. At PR Foot & Ankle Specialists, we believe in building trust through open communication and patient education. Our team of expert surgeons is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care before, during, and after your surgery.
Serving communities across Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Norfolk, and more—find a PR Foot & Ankle Specialists clinic near you and take the first step toward healthy, pain-free feet.
