Guide To Bunion Surgery San Francisco

By Marsha Klein


A bunion is easily identified on a foot. It has the appearance of a protrusion or bump on the side of a toe. The affected big toe tends to lean towards the small toes. If the condition is not severe, it can be treated using non-surgical methods. However, if these methods fail, it is time to think about getting bunion surgery San Francisco.

Bunions occur when bumps of tissue and bone form on the big toe. They are a misalignment of bone and/or tissue growth. They most often occur on a big toe, but sometimes affect a small toe. They are sometimes red and very painful. If not treated, they tend to get worse.

This affects many more women than men. Genetics is a big contributor to having this condition. If you have immediate family members with this condition, you are much more likely to suffer with bunions as well. However, they can be the result of an injury to the foot like a sprain. Shoes do not cause them, however, wearing shoes that are ill-fitting can worsen the condition.

Usually the first course of action is to try a non-surgical solution. Sometimes wearing wider shoes is enough. Others find that wearing a pad to cover the area helps. Others try taking a anti-inflammatory medicine. Others find that a shot of cortisone helps. If none of these help, it may be time to consider surgery.

The surgeon will first get your medical history. He will give a thorough exam to the foot. Then he will take x-rays to study the foot's anatomy. He then can decide if an operation is the best option.

This operation is called bunionectomy. It is done to correct the deformity and to relieve pain. You will be given a regional anesthesia and a sedative. The surgeon will cut along the top or side of the toe. He will then remove and/or realign the bone and tissue. In severe cases, he may need to reinforce the area with wires, screws, or pins. It is based on your individual needs. The surgery will take about an hour. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Recovery depends on the severity of the problem. It can be anywhere between six weeks to six months. The stitches will be removed in around seven to twenty-one days. Any outside pins or screws will usually be removed from three to six weeks after the procedure. The patient will wear either a walking cast or a special type of shoe for up to eight weeks. You must stay off of your feet for a period of time. Usually usual activities can resume in around six to eight weeks. In some severe cases, no weight can be placed on the foot for up to eight weeks. In this case, recovery will take longer.

Bunions can reoccur. However, if you wear the right kind of shoe, this is less likely to happen. Be sure to get a fully qualified surgeon. When ready, be sure to get bunion surgery San Francisco.




About the Author: