Are Seniors Able to Get Bunion Surgery?

Foot bunions are deformities that are characterized by the protrusion of a bony bump at the base of the big toe. Sometimes, bunions can be painful, especially if they’re large enough to rub against the shoe. There’s no cut-and-dry rule regarding an age limit for bunion surgery. Seniors can visit a podiatrist serving the Sugar Land area to find out if the procedure might be right for them.

If the deformity isn’t severe, doesn’t interfere with day-to-day activities, and is manageable with conservative treatments, then surgery isn’t necessary. If surgery could be beneficial, then the podiatrist will consider whether a senior is generally healthy enough to tolerate it. Seniors, in particular, may be at an increased risk of blood clots, adverse reactions to the anesthesia, poor healing, and unfavorable outcome. Adding to the complexity of this decision is the fact that many seniors have underlying medical conditions, and they may take multiple medications. These factors don’t automatically disqualify them for surgery, but they can increase the risks.