Guide To Bunion Surgery San Francisco

By Marsha Klein


A bunion is a protrusion on the side of a big toe. This toe tends to lean in the direction of the smaller toes. The condition is usually treated non-surgically first. If these methods do not work, it may be time to get bunion surgery San Francisco.

Bunions occur when bumps of tissue and bone form on the big toe. They are a misalignment of bone and/or tissue growth. They most often occur on a big toe, but sometimes affect a small toe. They are sometimes red and very painful. If not treated, they tend to get worse.

This condition is found more often in women than in men. Heredity and genetics are major contributors for suffering this condition. If your family has a history of bunions, you are likely to eventually have them too. However, they can also be caused by certain foot injuries. They are not caused by wearing the wrong shoes. However, wearing shoes that do not fit properly can make them get worse or show up faster.

Usually the first course of action is to try a non-surgical solution. Sometimes wearing wider shoes is enough. Others find that wearing a pad to cover the area helps. Others try taking a anti-inflammatory medicine. Others find that a shot of cortisone helps. If none of these help, it may be time to consider surgery.

When the surgeon is first consulted, he will take your medical history. He will then examine the foot to examine its anatomy. X-rays will then be taken. The doctor can then evaluate whether an operation is needed.

This type of operation is referred to as a bunionectomy. It corrects the toe deformity and also should help to relieve pain. A regional anesthesia and sedative are usually administered. An incision is made along the side or top of the toe. Bone and/or tissue is then realigned properly. Severe cases may require reinforcement with screws, wires, or pins. It will all depend on your individual needs. The procedure usually takes around an hour and is done as an outpatient.

Recovery depends on the severity of the problem. It can be anywhere between six weeks to six months. The stitches will be removed in around seven to twenty-one days. Any outside pins or screws will usually be removed from three to six weeks after the procedure. The patient will wear either a walking cast or a special type of shoe for up to eight weeks. You must stay off of your feet for a period of time. Usually usual activities can resume in around six to eight weeks. In some severe cases, no weight can be placed on the foot for up to eight weeks. In this case, recovery will take longer.

It is possible that it may return after the procedure. However, this most often happens when the patient wears the wrong kinds of shoes. Your ability to walk and the toe's appearance should both improve. Make sure that you fully research your doctor to make certain he is qualified to do the procedure. If you decide to go ahead, consider getting bunion surgery San Francisco.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment