Important Information About Bunion Surgery San Francisco Residents Need To Know

By Amanda Baird


A bunion is a medical condition of the feet caused by hallux valgus. This condition occurs when the big toe turns outward. The bone joining the big toe becomes prominent on the inner edge of the foot. Most cases are treated without the use surgical methods. Surgery helps to eliminate symptoms of pain, correct deformities of the feet and enhance the ability of individuals to carry out their daily activities. Before undergoing bunion surgery San Francisco residents are highly encouraged to consult experienced surgeons.

It occurs when individuals wear poorly fitting shoes for a long time. Shoes with a pointed, narrow toe box squeeze toes into an unnatural position. This is the leading cause of bunions. Heredity also plays a role in the formation of bunions but only accounts for a small percentage of the cases. It is more common in women than men.

Failure to treat bunions causes them to progress into a painful condition over time. With proper preventive care they can be controlled without necessarily using surgical techniques especially those that do not cause any discomfort. The best approach is to switch to shoes that are of the correct size. It is important to purchase to shoes that resemble the shape of your feet. Those caused by arthritis are managed using medications.

Research shows that most individuals are able to recover completely after the surgery. There are numerous options available for orthopaedic surgeons to use in the treatment of bunions. They effectively relieve pain, realign joints and correct deformities. The choice is made depending on factors such as activity level, severity, general health, age and the condition of the bones and connective tissues.

A patient has to undergo a thorough examination by an orthopaedic surgeon before the procedure. A medical history is important to identify any underlying conditions such as diabetes and arthritis that may affect the suitability of an individual. A physical examination is necessary to assess foot deformities, soft tissue damage and misalignment. X-rays reveal the extent damage and deformity in the joints.

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It is important to arrive at the surgical center or hospital early enough. After admission, the patient is evaluated by an anesthesiologist. Most bunion surgeries are done under ankle block anesthesia. Spinal or general anesthesia is used occasionally. The surgery lasts for about one hour after which the patient is taken to the recovery room.

The time taken to recover varies from one person to another. It depends on the soft tissue and the type of bones involved. Most people recover after 6 weeks to 6 months. Patients require a period of one year to heal completely. There are certain measures that can be taken to minimize risks and promote the healing process. The foot must be covered when bathing or showering to keep the stitches intact. Wooden shoes, walking casts, splints or special shoes may be used. Too much weight should not be exerted on the affected foot.

There are some common experienced by patients after bunion surgery San Francisco residents should be aware for before making the decision to undergo it. These include persistent pain, bone and soft tissue infections, degenerative joint disease, swelling, nerve damage and recurrence of the condition. All these complications are easy to treat. However, they interfere with the healing process. Surgeons provide information regarding the technique that can be used to treat them.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment