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.

Bunions arise when individuals wear shoes that are too tight for them for a very long time. Narrow and pointed shoes are known to squeeze toes into inappropriate positions. Bunions may also be inherited from one person to another. Heredity accounts for a small number of the cases.

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 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 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 a number of complications related to bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to be aware of. These include recurrence of bunions, nerve damage, degenerative joint disorders, swelling, continued pain and infections in the bones and connective tissues. Luckily, these complications can be treated easily. However, they prolong the time taken to recover completely. The surgeon provides the treatment options available for these complications.




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