Bunions are common maladies of the feet which involve the inward shifting of the big toe joint, causing it to protrude painfully. The other toes may become crowded out when this happens and it can be uncomfortable walking or standing on one's feet for a long time. Women are more likely to develop them than men, due to the restrictive kinds of shoes they often wear. Fortunately this problem can be corrected surgically. Before deciding to undergo bunion surgery San Francisco patients should make sure they known what to expect.
If this condition is caught early, it may be reversed using a splint or brace and the discomfort may be lessened with corn pads, although these measures usually only provide temporary relief. Some types of specially made footwear can also help accommodate this anomaly or arch supports can also be helpful if the problem is caused by fallen arches.
Serious bunions will require surgery to repair them. Patients who have not experienced any improvement with non-surgical measures and are troubled by the symptoms a great deal will be advised to undergo this procedure. A combination of local and general anesthetics are administered, with more of the former given to reduce the amount of the latter which is necessary. While sometimes a patient may stay overnight at the hospital, it is normally an out-patient operation.
Called an "osteotomy", the procedure consists of dividing the metatarsal or big toe bone in two, repositioning it, and eliminating the bulge of the bunion. This effectively strengthens the joint and narrows the top of the foot. Surgical staples or screws hold the bones in place while it heals and a protective post-operative shoe is also worn.
Following surgery, the foot will be bandaged, swollen, and painful, but pain medications will be given and keeping the foot elevated helps reduce the swelling. The post-op shoe will need to be worn at all times, even when in bed. Stitches will be taken out after two weeks time, and it's important to exercise the toe starting right after the operation in order to prevent stiffness.
Wearing the post-op shoe for the first six weeks after the operation is typically required, after this time an open-toed sandal with adjustable straps can be worn instead. Regular footwear can be worn in another six to eight weeks, and once it's been three to six months since the procedure, the patient may once again engage in sporting activities.
Overall, there is a marked improvement in most patients. Very rarely a complication may occur such as skin infection, blood clot, toe sensitization, stiffness, problems with surgical screws, non-healing of the bone, or a problem with weight being transferred to the second toe and a corn forming on it as a result. These incidents are very uncommon though, and most people enjoy good results.
Before having bunion surgery San Francisco patients should understand that this is a procedure which is recommended as a solution for pain and unmanageable symptoms. It is not advised for those who are merely trying to stave off further escalation of symptoms or simply for esthetic purposes.
If this condition is caught early, it may be reversed using a splint or brace and the discomfort may be lessened with corn pads, although these measures usually only provide temporary relief. Some types of specially made footwear can also help accommodate this anomaly or arch supports can also be helpful if the problem is caused by fallen arches.
Serious bunions will require surgery to repair them. Patients who have not experienced any improvement with non-surgical measures and are troubled by the symptoms a great deal will be advised to undergo this procedure. A combination of local and general anesthetics are administered, with more of the former given to reduce the amount of the latter which is necessary. While sometimes a patient may stay overnight at the hospital, it is normally an out-patient operation.
Called an "osteotomy", the procedure consists of dividing the metatarsal or big toe bone in two, repositioning it, and eliminating the bulge of the bunion. This effectively strengthens the joint and narrows the top of the foot. Surgical staples or screws hold the bones in place while it heals and a protective post-operative shoe is also worn.
Following surgery, the foot will be bandaged, swollen, and painful, but pain medications will be given and keeping the foot elevated helps reduce the swelling. The post-op shoe will need to be worn at all times, even when in bed. Stitches will be taken out after two weeks time, and it's important to exercise the toe starting right after the operation in order to prevent stiffness.
Wearing the post-op shoe for the first six weeks after the operation is typically required, after this time an open-toed sandal with adjustable straps can be worn instead. Regular footwear can be worn in another six to eight weeks, and once it's been three to six months since the procedure, the patient may once again engage in sporting activities.
Overall, there is a marked improvement in most patients. Very rarely a complication may occur such as skin infection, blood clot, toe sensitization, stiffness, problems with surgical screws, non-healing of the bone, or a problem with weight being transferred to the second toe and a corn forming on it as a result. These incidents are very uncommon though, and most people enjoy good results.
Before having bunion surgery San Francisco patients should understand that this is a procedure which is recommended as a solution for pain and unmanageable symptoms. It is not advised for those who are merely trying to stave off further escalation of symptoms or simply for esthetic purposes.
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