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.

A bunion becomes painful over time if it is neglected. The discomfort caused by this condition can be eliminated without surgery. Those that are less painful are easy to manage with nonsurgical treatments. This can be done by ensuring the shoes worn are of the correct size and fit properly. If the condition occurs due to arthritis, medications can be prescribed to manage it.

Many studies show that a majority of individuals are able to benefit from the treatment and are able to get the desired results. It focuses on eliminating pain, correct deformities and realigns joints. The surgical procedure applied depends on several factors such as the general health, age, severity of bunions and activity level of a patient.

A patient has to undergo a thorough examination by an orthopaedic surgeon before the procedure. A medical history is important to identify any underlying conditions such as diabetes and arthritis that may affect the suitability of an individual. A physical examination is necessary to assess foot deformities, soft tissue damage and misalignment. X-rays reveal the extent damage and deformity in the joints.

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It is important to arrive at the surgical center or hospital early enough. After admission, the patient is evaluated by an anesthesiologist. Most bunion surgeries are done under ankle block anesthesia. Spinal or general anesthesia is used occasionally. The surgery lasts for about one hour after which the patient is taken to the recovery room.

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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