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.

Bunions become painful over time if they are allowed to progress. It is possible to manage the condition without surgery. Generally, bunions that are not painful do not require any surgical procedure. They can be successfully managed by switching to proper fitting shoes. Individuals are encouraged to buy shoes that conform to the shape of their feet. Bunions caused by arthritis can be managed using medications to reduce pain swelling.

Many studies show that a majority of individuals are able to benefit from the treatment and are able to get the desired results. It focuses on eliminating pain, correct deformities and realigns joints. The surgical procedure applied depends on several factors such as the general health, age, severity of bunions and activity level of a patient.

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 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 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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