Steps To Bunion Surgery San Francisco

By Marsha Klein


A bunion is easy to identify on the foot. It looks like a bump on the side of the big toe. The big toe usually leans toward the smaller toes. Although it can sometimes be treated non-surgically, if this fails consider bunion surgery San Francisco.

Bunions are protrusions of bone and tissue that form on the side of a toe. The bone of the toe is misaligned. Extra bone growth sometimes occurs. They are most commonly found on a big toe, but can be located on a small toe. If they turn red or become irritated, they can be painful. They will only get worse if not treated.

More women suffer with this problem than men. The major contributor to having this condition is genetics. If your mother or father has a problem with bunions, your chances of having them is greatly increased. They sometimes can be caused by injuries to the foot like sprains. They are not caused by the type of shoes worn, but tight fitting shoes can make the condition worse or cause it to occur more quickly.

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 doctor will first ask questions and get your medical history. Examination of the foot will follow. X-rays of the foot are then taken. He can then evaluate the results to decide if an operation is the best treatment to follow.

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.

The condition my come back after having the operation. However, this usually occurs if the patient continues to wear ill-fitting shoes. In most cases walking ability and the appearance of the toe are both greatly improved. Of course, as with any medical procedure, it is vital that you research your doctor carefully. Make sure you have someone who is qualified and experienced. Then you may decide to get bunion surgery San Francisco.




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