What is a Bunion?
Bunion is a deformity of the joint that is connecting the big toe to the foot. The joint moves out of line and becomes a painful hump on the bone. It can be very painful because the weight of your body is not evenly distributed on the foot.
Is surgery the only way to fix a bunion?
The surgery is not the only way to fix bunion. There are few other ways of treating bunions without surgery:
- massage
- bunion splints
- toe spacers
- special footwear
You can ask your doctor how to help yourself with the pain and discomfort.
Who is a candidate for bunion removal surgery in Poland?
The bunion surgery abroad is recommended for patients who experience pain in their bunion joint. Good candidates for bunion surgery commonly have:
- significant pain that can limit their routine
- chronic inflammation and swelling in the big toe area
- deformed toe
- stiffness in their deformed toe
Will my insurance company pay for the bunion surgery?
If you choose to have your surgery done in our clinic in Poland, then the surgery will not be covered by the insurance. In your country there might be some clinics that will offer you bunion surgery, but it needs to be done for medical reasons not aesthetic ones.
What type of anesthesia will be used during bunion surgery abroad?
The surgery is done under local anesthesia. You will not feel your foot, so there will be no pain. There are over 100 methods for performing this surgery, but the main goal is the same – proper aligning of the big toe.
Is the surgery painful?
The surgery itself is not painful at all! However, after the procedure, you might experience pain in the treated area. Usually, painkillers help and they are prescribed by the surgeon.
How much is bunion surgery in Poland?
The price of the procedure depends on the method used and chosen clinic. In UK the price in private hospitals is very high – around 5500 GBP. There are more affordable destinations, such as Poland, where you can have the surgery done for even 1200 GBP. You can contact our patient advisers to find out your individual quotation for cheap bunion surgery.
Can bunion surgery be performed on both feet at the same time?
It is not advised to have the surgery done on both feet at the same time. For a while after the procedure, you will need to save your leg and put pressure on the other leg. Therefore it is not advised to have both surgeries at the same time.
How long will I need to stay in Poland after my bunion surgery?
You should stay in Poland for at least 6 days. On the first day you will have blood tests, on the second the surgery will be performed. Next there will be few days of rest and finally, on the 5th day, there will be final check up with the surgeon. It is important to travel with someone as you will not be able to walk normally and it may be difficult to carry luggage.
Can my bunion come back after surgery?
Unfortunately, the bunion can come back after the surgery. It is caused by many different factors and sometimes the surgeon has no way of knowing the way. There are possible revision surgeries and procedures that can help with the bunion.
How soon can I walk after bunion surgery abroad?
This depends on the stage of your bunion. Some people can walk slowly and carefully almost right after the surgery. However, in around 80% cases it can take from 2 weeks to 2 months to start walking normally. After the surgery, you may require crutches to walk and not put weight on the leg.
How soon can I go back to work after bunion surgery Poland?
It depends on your occupation. If your work requires sitting behind the desk, then you can go back to work as soon as you stop taking medications. However, you will wear a special boot that will stabilize your leg. You should speak with your surgeon about this issue and he will tell you how long you need to wait until going back to work.
How long is the recovery from bunion surgery in Poland?
Basic recovery from the surgery can take from 4 to 6 weeks. However, to fully recover it may take up to six months. As always recovery time depends on many factors, such as your age, health and occupation.
What are the possible complications of bunion surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, bunion surgery carries some risks of complications. Possible complications after the surgery are:
- infections
- deep vein thrombosis
- stiffness in the toe
- healing of the bone in the wrong position
- damaged nerves in the foot
- continued pain
- the bunion returning
How soon after bunion surgery can I travel home?
Time of stay in Poland depends on the range of the procedure. With the individual quotation, the surgeon will tell you how long you need to wait until going back home. Some patients were allowed to fly 3 days after the procedure, but usually, the patient stay for a week in Poland just to have more time to heal.