A bunion is an often painful protrusion on the joint of the big toe which results when the angle of the toe is shifted inwards too much. The most common cause of this disorder is wearing tight-fitting shoes that place the toes in an abnormal position, leading to the misplacement of this joint which in turn can cause pain and make standing for long periods of time unbearable. There is an operation which can be effective, however it is advisable that before bunion surgery San Francisco patients learn what it entails.
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.
Called an "osteotomy", the procedure consists of dividing the metatarsal or big toe bone in two, repositioning it, and eliminating the bulge of the bunion. This effectively strengthens the joint and narrows the top of the foot. Surgical staples or screws hold the bones in place while it heals and a protective post-operative shoe is also worn.
After the procedure, it is normal for the foot to be swollen and painful under its bandages. Medications can help control the pain and elevating the foot to heart level can ease the swelling. It is important to wear the post-op shoe continuously, even when sleeping. Two weeks later, stitches can be removed, and exercising the toe regularly starting with immediately after surgery can help prevent stiffness.
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.
Typically patients will experience a notable improvement following the procedure. There does exist a very low incidence of such complications as non-healing of the bone, problems with surgical screws, skin infections, blood clot, stiffness, toe sensitization, and corn formation from increased weight transfer to the second toe, but these problems are rare.
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.
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.
Called an "osteotomy", the procedure consists of dividing the metatarsal or big toe bone in two, repositioning it, and eliminating the bulge of the bunion. This effectively strengthens the joint and narrows the top of the foot. Surgical staples or screws hold the bones in place while it heals and a protective post-operative shoe is also worn.
After the procedure, it is normal for the foot to be swollen and painful under its bandages. Medications can help control the pain and elevating the foot to heart level can ease the swelling. It is important to wear the post-op shoe continuously, even when sleeping. Two weeks later, stitches can be removed, and exercising the toe regularly starting with immediately after surgery can help prevent stiffness.
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.
Typically patients will experience a notable improvement following the procedure. There does exist a very low incidence of such complications as non-healing of the bone, problems with surgical screws, skin infections, blood clot, stiffness, toe sensitization, and corn formation from increased weight transfer to the second toe, but these problems are rare.
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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