Bunions are a condition that patients frequently seek treatment for at Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC. A bunion is the outward sign of a problem with the bones inside your foot. Typically, the big toe begins to drift toward the second toe and over time, the bones in the toe shift out of place, causing the visible bump on the side of the big toe. As the bump grows larger patients usually begin to experience pain and discomfort, particularly from the pressure that footwear puts on the bunion. In some patients corns or calluses may develop as a secondary condition because of the friction and pressure being experienced because of the bunion. The rate at which a bunion grows varies from patient to patient. One thing is certain, however: a bunion is a progressive condition that will not reverse itself.
Questions to Ask
Our foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight and Dr. Marzana Mleczko will examine the bunion and the rest of your foot and also get a complete medical history. In many cases the faulty structure of the foot underlying a bunion is inherited. There are several non-invasive bunion treatment options that the foot doctor may try but, while these may slow the progression of the bunion, many patients ultimately reach the point where surgery is the only pathway to relief.
There are several different procedures for bunion surgery. Your podiatrist will talk to you about the options that are best suited for your particular situation. Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable about the procedure and feel confident in the outcome. Here are some questions you’ll want answered before you leave our Valley Stream or Lake Success office:
· Why do I need surgery now? What will happen if I wait a while?
· Where will the surgery be done?
· What type of anesthesia will be used?
· What are the risks of this particular procedure?
· How long will my recovery be?
Knowing what to expect will greatly reduce the anxiety that normally accompanies surgery. If you have additional questions after your office visit, don’t hesitate to contact us at: 516-825-4070 or 516-327-0074.