Bunion surgery
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a deformity affecting the main joint of the big toe. A bony lump appears and the big toe tilts towards the second toe. Bunions are a common problem. They tend to run in families and are more frequent in women.
What are the symptoms of a bunion?
Some people never experience any pain, others may suffer for years with bunions. The skin over the bony lump can be red, swollen and tender. Wearing shoes can be painful, especially high heels or shoes that do not fit properly. The big toe position can worsen over time, affecting the smaller toes. The second toe can become ‘clawed’ or cross over the big toe.
How is a diagnosis of a bunion made?
A diagnosis of a bunion is made on your symptoms, clinical examination and foot X-rays.
What are the available treatments for bunions?
In the first instance simple treatment measures are recommended to try and reduce your symptoms. These can have significant benefit and help avoid having surgery, which include: wearing wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole, bunion pads (soft pads put in shoes that stop them rubbing on a bunion), bunion splints, arch supports (insoles), simple pain killers (paracetemol and ibuprofen) and weight lose if overweight.
Surgery is the only way to get rid of the bunion. However surgery for bunions is only recommended as a last resort, once all simple treatment measures have been exhausted and if your symptoms remain significant. It is not recommended for cosmetic reasons or to avoid problems that are not yet present.
Wellbeing Advice
Patients that have a healthy diet, take regular exercise and refrain from smoking prior to surgery are more likely to experience quicker and better recovery with a more successful outcome from their surgery.
If you have any concerns about your general health and well being (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP, who will be able to provide advise on the options available to you.
Testimonials
My condition had deteriorated to the point that I was unable to walk for extended periods of time without pain and swelling of the ankle, and I would rarely be able to join in most family activities. The support and guidance provided by Mr Ramasamy were exemplary and enabled me to make a fully informed decision regarding the options available to me. Now, the pain is much more manageable and the stability that the treatment has provided is such that I feel that I regained a significant part of my life and as such my confidence.
I found Mr Ramasamy extremely professional and reassuring. On the day of my procedure I received the most efficient, organised and professional care in my life. Your nurses were the best I have ever experienced. Mr Ramasamy’s team, in theatre made me feel at ease and made the whole procedure more bearable. They go way beyond the extra mile for their patients.
I wanted to share my excellent experiences and compliment Mr Ramasamy and his team. I found him extremely professional and reassured that he understood how much pain I was in. On the day of my procedure, it was the most efficient, organized and professional care I have ever received – from checking into reception to being allocated a bay and taken into theatre – your nurses in the recovery area were the best I have ever received. Mr Ramasay’s team, especially in theatre, made me feel at ease, kept me informed throughout the whole procedure and made the whole procedure more bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment you will be emailed an invoice to be paid within 30 days via a bank transfer.
Our practice is covered by the major healthcare insurance providers. If you have private medical insurance, please contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered for your consultation and imaging appointments and whether you will need a GP referral. Please do this prior to seeing your Consultant. Your insurance company will provide you with an authorisation code which we will need when booking your appointment, along with your policy or membership details. All of this information can be obtained from your insurance company.
Depending on your specific insurance policy you may liable for some of the costs and there may be certain outpatient treatments such as joint injections and blood tests that may not be fully covered by your insurance policy. Please note, even if you are privately insured, you are entirely responsible for all of your consultants’ fees and that the contract you undertake is with your consultant and not your insurance company.
In most cases, your outpatient costs should be covered by your insurance company, but please check as this can vary depending on your individual insurance and excess policy. If you are a self-pay, new appointments are £200 and follow up appointments are £150.
If you have not seen the Consultant previously for this problem, you have a different problem or if it is more than 1 year since your last appointment then please book a new appointment.
If you are claiming through your health insurance, they may require a referral from your GP or therapist before authorising your consultation and treatment. If you are unsure then please call 01908 382 353 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic and one our team will be able to assist you. If you are paying for treatment yourself then you do not need a referral letter.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Consultants, please call 01908 382 353 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic
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If you have a question or want to reach out to us directly, use the contact form below and send us a message.