I have no idea what to do, anyone?

Yes, *sigh, it's about feet. To be specific, bunions. I have gone to a podiatrist and she gave me insoles for my apparently flat feet but still. Also, I'm a teen if that matters.


So the bunions. They only hurt occasionally. Usually only after I've been walking a while. Yes, wearing the proper shoes. The thing that bugs me the most would be- and I don't want this to sound shallow- but the appearance of them. My feet look really odd even though my bunions are only moderate.


So, here are the questions.


1. How old should you be to get them surgically fixed?


2. Alternatives to surgery?


3. Can you get surgery for aesthetic purposes?


4. How much does it cost (both feet)?





Thanks.

I have no idea what to do, anyone?
Question #1: This depends on your insurance. You may need to be at least 18 and the procedure will have to be medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider.





Question #2: You're already using alternatives. The one you haven't mentioned is wearing a thick felt ring around the bunion. The next alternative is to accept your condition.





Question #3: Of course you can but you will pay out of pocket. Aesthetic procedures are not medically necessary and are not a covered benefit.





Question #4: Generally not done to both feet at the same time. For a covered benefit, check with your insurance carrier as to cost. If paying out of pocket, speak to the foot surgeon's office manager.





The procedure is bunionectomy, also called hallux valgus repair/correction.
Reply:A bunion is a deformity of the big toe that is misaligned at the joint causing it to angle outward 10 to 15 degrees. Bunions can be hereditary or can be caused by other factors like having flat feet. Treatment for bunions requires a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist. The only way to eliminate bunions is by surgical removal. Treatment usually involves applying ice to the feet for approximately 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day to reduce pain and swelling.





Soaking the feet in a solution of vinegar and warm water (1 cup vinegar per gallon of water) and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can also help. Due to potentially severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects, NSAIDs should only be used as instructed.





Comfortably fitting shoes are the next step. High-heeled and narrow-toed shoes should be discarded in favor of sandals or wider shoes and lower, padded heels.





Padding inside the shoe is another option, particularly if the bunion is small. Different types of pads and toe spacers are available to prevent the big toe from angling outward and relieve pressure against the bunion while wearing shoes.





Most patients can benefit from a custom-molded orthotic, which keeps the feet properly aligned and stable, helping to prevent progression of the condition.





Bunions worsen over time unless the problem that produces them is eliminated. If a bunion causes severe discomfort, a surgical procedure called a bunionectomy may be performed. Surgical techniques vary, depending on the angle of the bones in the bunion and the extent of the deformity.





The simplest procedure involves shaving the bump and repairing the soft tissue in the big toe joint. Bunions that cause severe discomfort usually require more correction than this procedure provides.





In these cases, the most common technique involves surgically fracturing and realigning the bones of the big toe. In another procedure, a wedge-shaped piece of bone from the metatarsal is removed, decreasing the toe's angle of deviation. In both procedures, the bones are repositioned and stabilized with pins, screws, plates, or wires.





Extremely loose or tight ligaments and tendons may also need to be adjusted surgically. This surgery is relatively simple, and the bones and soft tissues take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Crutches, a walking cast, or a wheelchair may be used to keep weight off the foot during recovery.





Severe bunions on both feet require undergoing bunionectomy and recovery twice, or having both feet repaired at the same time, which results in 6 to 8 weeks of immobility. Most patients choose the former because it offers them a degree of mobility and self-sufficiency.





After surgery and recovery, the patient is fitted with orthotics to maintain stable, properly aligned feet. Without this treatment, the underlying cause of the bunion continues to cause problems and the bunion can recur.





Bunion surgeries cost between $1500 and $2000, you may even have to pay more for anesthesiologist or maybe some other tests that needs to be performed. I think that Insurance companies always pay for bunion surgery up to the limits of your policy. You probably have to talk about this with health insurance company or your parents health insurance company.



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