General Information About Bunion Surgery San Francisco Residents Need To Know

By Amanda Baird


A bunion is a foot deformity that develops due to hallux valgus. Most bunions can be treated without surgical interventions. When nonsurgical treatments are inadequate, surgery helps to relieve pain, correct foot deformities and allow individuals to resume their normal activities. Before making the decision to undergo bunion surgery San Francisco residents are advised to consult an orthopaedic surgeon.

Bunions arise when individuals wear shoes that are too tight for them for a very long time. Narrow and pointed shoes are known to squeeze toes into inappropriate positions. Bunions may also be inherited from one person to another. Heredity accounts for a small number of the cases.

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.

Research shows that most individuals are able to recover completely after the surgery. There are numerous options available for orthopaedic surgeons to use in the treatment of bunions. They effectively relieve pain, realign joints and correct deformities. The choice is made depending on factors such as activity level, severity, general health, age and the condition of the bones and connective tissues.

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.

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 time to recover from the surgery may vary from one patient to another. The duration depends on the soft tissue and the bones affected. In most cases, patients will recover after 6 weeks to 6 months. It takes about an entire year to attain complete healing. There are various precautions that are recommended for the patients. This are intended to reduce any risks and promote healing. The foot must not be exposed to water to prevent any damage on the stitches. Special shoes, walking casts, splints or wooden shoes may be necessary.

There are several complications associated bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to know. They include nerve damage, recurrence of the bunions, degenerative joint disease, persistent pain and swelling and infection in the bone or soft tissue. These complications are treatable. However, they affect the time taken to achieve full recovery. In most cases, the surgeon explains the various options that can be used to treat the complications.




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