Important Details About Bunion Surgery San Francisco Patients Need To Know

By Jayne Rutledge


Bunions are common maladies of the feet which involve the inward shifting of the big toe joint, causing it to protrude painfully. The other toes may become crowded out when this happens and it can be uncomfortable walking or standing on one's feet for a long time. Women are more likely to develop them than men, due to the restrictive kinds of shoes they often wear. Fortunately this problem can be corrected surgically. Before deciding to undergo bunion surgery San Francisco patients should make sure they known what to expect.

If this condition is caught early, it may be reversed using a splint or brace and the discomfort may be lessened with corn pads, although these measures usually only provide temporary relief. Some types of specially made footwear can also help accommodate this anomaly or arch supports can also be helpful if the problem is caused by fallen arches.

Serious bunions will require surgery to repair them. Patients who have not experienced any improvement with non-surgical measures and are troubled by the symptoms a great deal will be advised to undergo this procedure. A combination of local and general anesthetics are administered, with more of the former given to reduce the amount of the latter which is necessary. While sometimes a patient may stay overnight at the hospital, it is normally an out-patient operation.

The proper name for the procedure is an "osteotomy". The bone of the big toe, called the metatarsal bone is divided and put back into its normal position and the bony protrusion is trimmed away. Strength is restored to the large toe and the upper foot is effectively narrowed. The bones will be held together with surgical screws or staples until it heals fully and a special type of post-operative shoe is worn to protect it.

The bandaged foot can be expected to be painful and swollen following surgery, but these unpleasant sensations can be kept under control with appropriate pain relievers and keeping the foot in an elevated position as much as possible. Exercises should be carried out right away and on an ongoing basis to prevent stiffness, and the post-op shoe must be worn continuously, including in bed. In two week's time stitches can be removed.

Wearing the post-op shoe for about six weeks is usually necessary, and after this time, an adjustable, open-toed sandal can be worn. Six to eight weeks later, one can again wear normal footwear, and when it has been three to six months after the procedure, involvement in sports should be safe.

Overall, there is a marked improvement in most patients. Very rarely a complication may occur such as skin infection, blood clot, toe sensitization, stiffness, problems with surgical screws, non-healing of the bone, or a problem with weight being transferred to the second toe and a corn forming on it as a result. These incidents are very uncommon though, and most people enjoy good results.

Before having bunion surgery San Francisco patients should understand that this is a procedure which is recommended as a solution for pain and unmanageable symptoms. It is not advised for those who are merely trying to stave off further escalation of symptoms or simply for esthetic purposes.




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