Important Information About Bunion Surgery San Francisco Residents Need To Know

By Amanda Baird


A bunion is a foot condition that occurs as a result of hallux valgus. A majority of bunions are cured without involving any surgical procedure. Surgery is used as the last option when other alternatives have failed. It helps to correct any foot problems, relive pain and allow individuals to actively participate in their day to day activities. Before signing up for bunion surgery San Francisco residents are encouraged to gather adequate information about this procedure.

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.

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.

A patient has to undergo a thorough examination by an orthopaedic surgeon before the procedure. A medical history is important to identify any underlying conditions such as diabetes and arthritis that may affect the suitability of an individual. A physical examination is necessary to assess foot deformities, soft tissue damage and misalignment. X-rays reveal the extent damage and deformity in the joints.

The patients are treated on outpatient basis. They are advised to report early for the procedure. An anesthesiologist evaluates the patient after admission. The procedure is commonly performed under local anesthesia while a general anesthesia is used under special circumstances.

The recovery period varies depending on the bone affected and the amount of soft tissue involved. The usual recovery period is about six weeks to six months. Complete healing may take about one year. There are several precautions that should be taken to facilitate faster healing. When bathing or showering, the foot must be covered to ensure the stitches remain dry. Walking casts, special shoes, wooden shoes or splints are sometimes used. It is important to avoid exerting too much weight on the foot.

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.




About the Author: