Useful 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.

The condition is mainly caused by poorly fitting shoes. These refer to shoes that are narrow and sharp which tend to force the toes into an unnatural position. Some cases of bunions are hereditary although this accounts for a few cases. The condition is prevalent in women than women.

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.

Studies have found that a majority of patients who undergo the surgical procedure get the expected results. There are a number of surgical procedures used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat bunions. These are designed to relieve pain, realign the joint and correct deformity. The type of surgical procedure used depends upon factors such as severity, age, activity level, general health and the condition of the connective tissue and bones.

Physicians usually refer individuals to an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation. The evaluation has three main components. X-rays are done to find out the extent of the effects of the bunions on the joints. A medical examinations aims to reveal conditions that affect the effectiveness of this treatment. A physical examination is done to identify foot deformities, misalignment and the degree of soft tissue damage.

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 a number of complications related to bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to be aware of. These include recurrence of bunions, nerve damage, degenerative joint disorders, swelling, continued pain and infections in the bones and connective tissues. Luckily, these complications can be treated easily. However, they prolong the time taken to recover completely. The surgeon provides the treatment options available for these complications.




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