Are Seniors Able to Get Bunion Surgery? (2024)

FAQs

Are Seniors Able to Get Bunion Surgery? ›

If the deformity isn't severe, doesn't interfere with day-to-day activities, and is manageable with conservative treatments, then surgery isn't necessary. If surgery could be beneficial, then the podiatrist will consider whether a senior is generally healthy enough to tolerate it.

For the most part, an active, healthy patient can recover from bunion surgery regardless of age.

Are You a Candidate for Surgery? In general, if your bunion is not painful, you do not need surgery. Although bunions often get bigger over time, doctors do not recommend surgery to prevent bunions from worsening.

You may need bunion surgery if you have severe foot pain that happens even when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines.

Let's recap: Does Medicare cover bunion treatment? Yes. Medicare Part B covers 80% of your bunion surgery, alongside any medically necessary supplies and podiatrist visits. The final 20% will either be paid for by the patient or covered by another insurance policy.

Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment.

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone. First, it corrects the sideways lean of your metatarsal bone.

If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage.

What does a severe bunion look like? ›

The signs and symptoms of a bunion include: A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe. Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint. Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other.

The majority of patients are very happy with their bunion operation. Assuming the patient follows the postoperative instructions carefully, the outcomes are very good. There are risks of bunion surgery, however. Delayed bone healing can occur with any foot surgery, but this is rare.

Other non-surgical treatments for bunions include injections of cortisone or oral anti-inflammatory medication and wearing custom-made shoes that accommodate the bunion deformity.

On MDsave, the cost of a Bunion Removal ranges from $4,726 to $15,516. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save.

For individuals experiencing bunions or other conditions affecting the feet, a podiatrist is well-equipped to treat them with a host of non-interventional and surgical treatments, developing a customized treatment plan for each patient.

Elderly patients can stand to benefit from hallux valgus surgery.

Bunions, which are known medically as hallux valgus, are a progressive bone disorder. Several factors are attributed to their growth, none of which occur quickly. Certain types of arthritis, a genetic predisposition, individual lifestyle, and simply getting older all contribute to their development.