The Main Principles Of Bunion Surgery San Francisco Residents Should Know

By Marissa Velazquez


A bunion is a deformity of the foot that is attributable to a condition known as hallux valgus. Generally, most cases respond well to conservative therapies. In the event that these treatments are ineffective then surgical intervention is warranted. The main complaints of persons affected with the condition include pain, deformity and limitation in the normal function of the affected foot. When considering having bunion surgery San Francisco residents should do enough research on the procedure to determine whether or not they really need to have it.

This condition is particularly common in persons that have improperly fitting shoes. Pointed shoes tend to squeeze the fit into unnatural positions. Excessive pressure is exerted on protruding parts leading to recurrent inflammation and healing. Eventually, bunions are formed. There is also a role for hereditary factors in a few cases.

If intervention does not take place in timely fashion, the condition progresses rapidly over time and may even result in some irreversible defects. Management should be focused mainly on prevention rather than waiting for things to get out of hand first. Replacing ill-fitting shoes with the correct ones is the most obvious remedy. When buying shoes, ensure that they resemble the shape of your feet to reduce discomfort.

Studies have found that a majority of patients who undergo the surgical procedure get the expected results. There are many types of surgical procedures that are used by specialized orthopaedic surgeons to manage the condition. These are designed to relieve pain, to realign the joints and to correct deformity. The type of surgical procedure to be done is dependent on a number of factors that include, among others, level of activity, extent of damage and general health status of the 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 helps in the assessment of extent of damage to the soft tissues and misalignment of joints. The exam also helps check for the presence of corns and hammertoes. X-rays provide detailed information about the extent of the deformity and damage in the toe joint.

Many hospitals and surgical centers consider this procedure to be an outpatient case. Patients are required to report a few hours before the appointed time. The first stage involves a complete evaluation by a member of the anesthesia team. It requires a local anesthesia although a general anesthesia may be used in selected cases. The procedure lasts for one hour and patients are allowed to go home after getting enough rest.

The recovery period varies depending on the bone affected and the amount of soft tissue involved. The usual time required for recovery is between 6 and 24 weeks. Complete recovery may take up to one year. When taking a bath or showering, one must ensure that the foot is covered properly so that the stitches are kept dry. Walking casts, wooden shoes and splints are sometimes used. It is important to avoid putting too much weight on the foot.

Although rare, there are a number of complications associated with bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to know even as they consider undergoing the same. Commonly, patients may suffer connective tissue contractures, swelling, nerve and blood vessel damage, infections and persistent pain. Many of these complications heal spontaneously but a few may require specialized treatment.




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