A bunion is an often painful condition that arises when the joint of the big toe gets shifted excessively inwards, causing it to bulge out. When this happens, it can be uncomfortable standing for extended periods and even walking, and the other toes can get crowded out. High heels are often the culprit, making women more susceptible to bunions than men. It can be corrected surgically, but it's a good idea if before going ahead with bunion surgery San Francisco patients first find out all the details.
A brace or splint to the toe joint early on may help the problem somewhat and slow does its progression, and corn pads can ease pain caused by pressure, but these measures don't normally produce the same results as the more permanent surgery. It can help to wear footwear with a wider toe box to more comfortably house the bunion, and arch supports can aid if flat feet are the problem.
Those bunions which are more severe can only be remedied by a surgical procedure. If a patient has not responded well to non-operative measures and is considerably afflicted with pain, surgery is indicated. The operation is performed while the patient is given a combination of local and general anesthetic, with more of the former used so less of the latter is needed. It is often done as an out-patient procedure, but sometimes an overnight stay is necessary.
The procedure is known as an "osteotomy" and it involves separating the metatarsal bones of the big toe and putting them back together in their correct location using surgical screws or staples. The bony bulge of the bunion is removed, the joint is given strength and the upper part of the foot is narrowed as a result. A post-operative, protective shoe is worn on the affected foot to promote healing.
The bandaged foot can be expected to be painful and swollen following surgery, but these unpleasant sensations can be kept under control with appropriate pain relievers and keeping the foot in an elevated position as much as possible. Exercises should be carried out right away and on an ongoing basis to prevent stiffness, and the post-op shoe must be worn continuously, including in bed. In two week's time stitches can be removed.
Wearing the post-op shoe for about six weeks is usually necessary, and after this time, an adjustable, open-toed sandal can be worn. Six to eight weeks later, one can again wear normal footwear, and when it has been three to six months after the procedure, involvement in sports should be safe.
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.
A brace or splint to the toe joint early on may help the problem somewhat and slow does its progression, and corn pads can ease pain caused by pressure, but these measures don't normally produce the same results as the more permanent surgery. It can help to wear footwear with a wider toe box to more comfortably house the bunion, and arch supports can aid if flat feet are the problem.
Those bunions which are more severe can only be remedied by a surgical procedure. If a patient has not responded well to non-operative measures and is considerably afflicted with pain, surgery is indicated. The operation is performed while the patient is given a combination of local and general anesthetic, with more of the former used so less of the latter is needed. It is often done as an out-patient procedure, but sometimes an overnight stay is necessary.
The procedure is known as an "osteotomy" and it involves separating the metatarsal bones of the big toe and putting them back together in their correct location using surgical screws or staples. The bony bulge of the bunion is removed, the joint is given strength and the upper part of the foot is narrowed as a result. A post-operative, protective shoe is worn on the affected foot to promote healing.
The bandaged foot can be expected to be painful and swollen following surgery, but these unpleasant sensations can be kept under control with appropriate pain relievers and keeping the foot in an elevated position as much as possible. Exercises should be carried out right away and on an ongoing basis to prevent stiffness, and the post-op shoe must be worn continuously, including in bed. In two week's time stitches can be removed.
Wearing the post-op shoe for about six weeks is usually necessary, and after this time, an adjustable, open-toed sandal can be worn. Six to eight weeks later, one can again wear normal footwear, and when it has been three to six months after the procedure, involvement in sports should be safe.
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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