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 treated early on with a brace or splint on the toe the condition can improve somewhat and if there is irritation to the adjacent toe, corn pads may be helpful, but most often they only relieve the pain temporarily. There are certain types of shoes which are more accommodating to bunions, and if fallen arches are an issue, arch supports can be worn.
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.
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.
Patients must wear the post-op shoe for about six weeks, and then they can switch to an open-toed sandal with straps that can be adjusted. After another six to eight weeks, regular shoes can be worn and once three to six months have passed, sporting activities may be resumed.
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.
When interested in the prospect of bunion surgery San Francisco patients need to understand that this operation is considered the last resort once all other attempts to manage pain and symptoms have failed. It isn't normally recommended as a means of preventing advancement of the disorder or to improve the appearance of the feet.
If treated early on with a brace or splint on the toe the condition can improve somewhat and if there is irritation to the adjacent toe, corn pads may be helpful, but most often they only relieve the pain temporarily. There are certain types of shoes which are more accommodating to bunions, and if fallen arches are an issue, arch supports can be worn.
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.
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.
Patients must wear the post-op shoe for about six weeks, and then they can switch to an open-toed sandal with straps that can be adjusted. After another six to eight weeks, regular shoes can be worn and once three to six months have passed, sporting activities may be resumed.
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.
When interested in the prospect of bunion surgery San Francisco patients need to understand that this operation is considered the last resort once all other attempts to manage pain and symptoms have failed. It isn't normally recommended as a means of preventing advancement of the disorder or to improve the appearance of the feet.
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