Question 1

What is a Bunion?

Accepted Answer

A bunion is a protrusion of the bone of the great toe joint. It usually grows toward the mid-line of the body, pushing the big toe toward the smaller toes. Sometimes the extra bone growth is on top of the knuckle. This enlarged bone can limit normal foot function and make wearing everyday shoes uncomfortable or even unbearable. Without treatment, bunions often continue to grow and become more painful. Bunions develop over a period of years. They are initially caused by inherited bone structure, and may be further irritated by shoes. People of any age can develop bunions. Reshaping the great toe knuckle at the earliest signs of bunion formation can minimize inevitable discomfort and add to the quality of life of the patient. Links to information about bunions: www.acfas.org www.foothealthfacts.org www.apma.org

Question 2

What does Bunion Surgery entail?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps you know someone who has had bunion surgery and needed a cast or crutches during recovery. In 1992, I created an out-patient bunion removal technique that minimizes pain and recovery time. Through a combination of precise bone realignment and delicate tissue handling, I'm able to surgically restore natural foot function without the need for a cast or crutches. Patients receives intravenous sedation, not general anesthesia. This makes them sleepy and more comfortable so they will not feel the injection of local anesthetic which numbs the foot. Strategic portions of the bone are removed. The joint is realigned and the bone is secured with a screw that can remain in your foot. Tendons are repositioned to restore their optimal mechanical function and the bone is given a final polishing. The incision is closed using plastic surgery techniques and bandaged. I recommend surgery on one foot at a time. Surgery takes about one hour. Including paperwork, preparation and post-operative care, patients can expect to be at the surgery center for about three hours.

Question 3

What does Bunion Surgery recovery look like?

Accepted Answer

Patients need to arrange for a ride home after surgery. Numbness lasts about 24-36 hours. Patients who follow post-operative instructions to take it easy rarely have any pain. Patients go home with a comfortable Velcro shoe and can walk as soon as they get home. Patients can drive the day after surgery and return to work within one day to six weeks after surgery, depending on the demands of the job. For two weeks following surgery, the bandage needs to be kept dry. A “shower shoe” is available at my office. Two weeks after surgery, stitches are removed. Brief showers are fine but patients need to wait another week before prolonged immersion of the foot in water. Light exercise is fine after suture removal as long as it is comfortable. Running activities can be resumed about six weeks after surgery. The patient should wear the walking boot for four weeks. At four weeks after surgery, patients can wear a loose, comfortable shoe. Dress shoes can be worn after another three weeks.

Question 4

Will I need crutches after bunion surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients do not require crutches. Patients go home in a protective walking boot and can bear weight and walk as soon as they get home from surgery, with standing and walking time gradually increased over the following weeks. Crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter are generally reserved for patients with severe osteoporosis, substantially weakened bone, complex reconstruction, or another reason to restrict weight-bearing. See Walking, Driving, and Recovery for the full week-by-week walking guide.

Question 5

Do I need narcotic pain medication after bunion surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. Dr. Moy has not routinely prescribed narcotic pain medication after bunion surgery for approximately three decades. Patients may be offered a short course of a strong anti-inflammatory medication, or may use an appropriate nonprescription medication when needed. The goal is not simply to avoid narcotics, but to perform the operation in a manner that minimizes unnecessary tissue trauma and reduces the sources of postoperative discomfort in the first place. See The Moy Approach for more on how the procedure is designed around this goal.

Question 6

Is Dr. Moy's bunion surgery minimally invasive?

Accepted Answer

"Minimally invasive" describes the size of the skin incision, not the size of the bone operation performed beneath it. Dr. Moy uses a slightly larger incision for direct surgical visualization, closed with a cosmetic/plastic-surgery-style technique for a fine scar, paired with a postoperative protocol built around early mobility: most patients stand and walk the day of surgery without crutches or routine narcotics. See Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery: What the Term Really Means for a full comparison against published minimally invasive recovery guidance.

Question 7

What are factors affecting surgery?

Accepted Answer

Patients can minimize their healing time by complying with post-operative instructions and limiting activity as recommended. Factors affecting recovery time for each individual include: severity of bunion, foot structure, tissue elasticity, general health, and age. Younger patients generally heal more quickly, but age alone doesn't determine how someone will do. What matters more is whether the patient is medically fit, has adequate circulation, has bone that can support the correction, and can follow post-operative instructions safely. Patients with conditions like osteoporosis can often still be treated, though fixation and recovery may need to be adjusted. See Could You Be a Candidate? for a full breakdown of how these factors are evaluated.

Question 8

What is your success rate?

Accepted Answer

I have successfully performed bunion removal surgery thousands of times since 1992. Recurrence is a well-documented, industry-wide possibility with any bunion correction technique (see Bunion Recurrence: What the Research Actually Shows for the published rates), and no surgeon can promise a bunion will never come back. What I can speak to directly is pain: I have patient testimonials on file documenting virtually pain-free surgery in 97% of cases. That's based on patient feedback from every surgery since my office began requiring post-op feedback in the year 2000. See the full methodology behind that figure.

Question 9

How much does bunion surgery cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of surgery varies based on the specifics of each unique foot problem. After your consultation with Dr. Moy he can determine the type and number of procedures required to correct the condition. The office will check with your insurance company to determine approximately what expenses you may incur. If you do not have insurance benefits your estimated cost can be determined after your consultation.

Question 10

Will my insurance cover everything?

Accepted Answer

Insurance often covers podiatric services as medically necessary expenses. A patient's insurance coverage may result in either full or partial payment for our services. We'll gladly contact your insurance company to review your coverage and do our best to minimize your financial responsibility for the services we provide. Unfortunately some insurance companies will not provide you with any benefits for Dr. Moy's office and may restrict you to a certain Doctor, Group of doctors, or a specific geographical area. In that case you may want to change you insurance policy or use a check or credit card. Remember our goal is virtually pain-free treatment... and that extends to your finances as well!

Question 11

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Please call the office at (949) 837-FEET (3338) to schedule a consultation for yourself, your family member or friend who may be experiencing foot pain. You can also request an appointment online. After you reach out, our team will contact you within 24 hours to confirm a time, and you'll receive a new patient packet by email to fill out before your visit. Patients do not have to decide that surgery is right for them before requesting an evaluation.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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