Questions To Ask When Considering Bunion Surgery

Even if you’re experiencing significant bunion pain, the idea of discussing surgery with your doctor can be intimidating. Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask your doctor when considering bunion removal. You can even print this list and take it with you to your appointment.

For information about the risks associated with bunion surgery (also referred to as hallux valgus correction), click here. 

1. How do you determine whether or not I’m a candidate to have my bunion removed?

2. Could my bunion get worse if I wait six months? One year?

3. Are there alternative treatments I could try first?

4. Are there different types of surgery for bunion removal? Which is right for me?

5. What are the most common complications and how are they treated?

6. What are the other risks associated with bunion removal?

7.  What type of anesthesia is used?

8. How many times have you performed this surgery?

9. How involved are you in each surgery? What role do residents play?

10. How long will the incision/scar be?

11. What is the expected recovery time?

12. Will I have to be away from work?

13. How will I feel in one month after surgery? Two months? One year?

14. Will I have to stay overnight at the hospital?

15. How will we manage my pain after surgery?

16. Will I need full-time or part-time care? If so, for how long?

17. What type of shoes I should wear, or avoid, after surgery?

18. When will I be able to walk after surgery?

19. Will I need crutches or a knee scooter? If so, for how long?

20. When will I be able to drive a car after surgery?

21. When can I shower after surgery?

22. When will I be able to resume normal lifestyle activities (e.g., work, sports, housework, gardening, etc.)?

23. Will I need antibiotics for dental care?

24. Will I have an implant?

25. If so, what is the implant made of?

26. Will I set off metal detectors?

27. Is there a possibility the implants will need to be replaced?

28. What are the risks associated with the implant?

While not an exhaustive list, you can use this as a starting point to open a conversation with your doctor.