Important 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.

It occurs when individuals wear poorly fitting shoes for a long time. Shoes with a pointed, narrow toe box squeeze toes into an unnatural position. This is the leading cause of bunions. Heredity also plays a role in the formation of bunions but only accounts for a small percentage of the cases. It is more common in women than men.

Failure to treat bunions causes them to progress into a painful condition over time. With proper preventive care they can be controlled without necessarily using surgical techniques especially those that do not cause any discomfort. The best approach is to switch to shoes that are of the correct size. It is important to purchase to shoes that resemble the shape of your feet. Those caused by arthritis are managed using medications.

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.

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 taken to recover varies from one person to another. It depends on the soft tissue and the type of bones involved. Most people recover after 6 weeks to 6 months. Patients require a period of one year to heal completely. There are certain measures that can be taken to minimize risks and promote the healing process. The foot must be covered when bathing or showering to keep the stitches intact. Wooden shoes, walking casts, splints or special shoes may be used. Too much weight should not be exerted on the affected foot.

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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