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.

Bunions become painful over time if they are allowed to progress. It is possible to manage the condition without surgery. Generally, bunions that are not painful do not require any surgical procedure. They can be successfully managed by switching to proper fitting shoes. Individuals are encouraged to buy shoes that conform to the shape of their feet. Bunions caused by arthritis can be managed using medications to reduce pain swelling.

Studies have found that a majority of patients who undergo the surgical procedure get the expected results. There are a number of surgical procedures used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat bunions. These are designed to relieve pain, realign the joint and correct deformity. The type of surgical procedure used depends upon factors such as severity, age, activity level, general health and the condition of the connective tissue and bones.

A patient has to be examined by an orthopaedic surgeon prior to the surgery. A medical history helps the surgeon to gather information about medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure. A physical examination is performed to assess soft tissue damage, misalignment and to check for any other foot deformities like corns and hammertoes. X-rays provide detailed information about the extent of the deformity and damage in the toe joint.

Many hospitals and surgical centers consider this procedure to be an outpatient case. Patients are required to report a few hours before the appointed time. The first stage involves a complete evaluation by a member of the anesthesia team. It requires a local anesthesia although a general anesthesia may be used in selected cases. The procedure lasts for one hour and patients are allowed to go home after getting enough rest.

The recovery period varies depending on the bone affected and the amount of soft tissue involved. The usual recovery period is about six weeks to six months. Complete healing may take about one year. There are several precautions that should be taken to facilitate faster healing. When bathing or showering, the foot must be covered to ensure the stitches remain dry. Walking casts, special shoes, wooden shoes or splints are sometimes used. It is important to avoid exerting too much weight on the 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.




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