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.

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.

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 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.

The patients are treated on outpatient basis. They are advised to report early for the procedure. An anesthesiologist evaluates the patient after admission. The procedure is commonly performed under local anesthesia while a general anesthesia is used under special circumstances.

The time to recover from the surgery may vary from one patient to another. The duration depends on the soft tissue and the bones affected. In most cases, patients will recover after 6 weeks to 6 months. It takes about an entire year to attain complete healing. There are various precautions that are recommended for the patients. This are intended to reduce any risks and promote healing. The foot must not be exposed to water to prevent any damage on the stitches. Special shoes, walking casts, splints or wooden shoes may be necessary.

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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