What are the benefits of bunion surgery?
Bunion surgery can alleviate pain, improve foot function, and enhance overall quality of life…
You should know the benefit of bunion surgery before it gets really bad!
Bunions (commonly misspelled as bunnions or bunyons) appear as a painful lump on the outside of the foot, and can cause pain in the joint of the big toe. While some bunions do not need to be surgically removed, people with bunions that cause pain or interfere with daily life may want to consider bunion surgery.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 85-90% of bunion surgery patients feel satisfied with the results of their procedure. Further, most of those patients report a decrease in foot pain after surgery, allowing them to return to activities they previously enjoyed like running or dancing. This is just one of the many benefits of bunion surgery.
If bunion pain has been impacting your quality of life, and less invasive procedures have failed to offer relief, you may want to consider bunion surgery. At the Los Angeles Bunion Center of Excellence, our surgeons offer the most cutting-edge surgical options in podiatric medicine.
bunion surgery benefits
Please contact our outpatient surgery center to schedule a consultation with Director Dr. Kamran Jamshidinia today and learn about the benefits of bunion surgery.
Reasons to Consider Foot Surgery: How Effective is Bunion Surgery?
Chronic or Severe Foot Pain
If severe foot pain is affecting your quality of life, you may want to consider bunion surgery. Many people find that anti-inflammatories are insufficient to treat their bunion pain. For these individuals, bunion surgery can offer much-needed relief.
Inability to fit into shoes comfortably or without pain
This is the most common reason patients seek out our center. Patients report difficulty in fitting into shoes due to their bunion and the bunion getting irritated in most shoes. Many of our patients also have experienced pain and inflammation from shoes irritating the bunion bump of arthritic bone.
Inability to Perform Everyday Tasks
Painful bunions can limit one’s ability to perform daily activities like walking, exercising or even just wearing normal shoes. If bunions are preventing you from participating in the activities you once enjoyed, you may want to consider a surgical option.
Toe Deformity or Stiffness
Overtime, people with chronic bunions may develop toe deformities in which the big toe shifts toward the other toes of the foot. This condition can cause patients pain and embarrassment, while making it difficult for them to find properly fitting shoes. Left untreated, bunions also cause toe stiffness, which makes it difficult to bend or straighten the toe.
This latter condition is called Hallux Limitus or Rigidus depending on how severe the toe stiffness is. If you are experiencing an inability to move your toe, bunion surgery may be a good option.
For end-stage bunions, which have been neglected, there are surgical options including total joint replacement. Our physician can go into great detail as to which option is best for you.
Enhanced Foot Function
Bunions are notorious for triggering substantial alterations to the foot structure, often causing a negative impact on foot function. Bunion surgery serves to rectify these structural changes, thus enhancing foot function and mitigating the likelihood of developing additional foot-related issues.
Improved Quality of Life
Bunions have a noticeable influence on an individual’s quality of life, often resulting in pain and discomfort that hinders the enjoyment of daily activities. Bunion surgery can relieve these symptoms, ultimately providing relief and facilitating a better quality of life without the limitations imposed by bunions.
Shortened Recovery Time
Generally performed on an outpatient basis, bunion surgery boasts a relatively swift recovery time. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks, which compares favorably to other foot surgeries.
Reduced Risk of Complications
Under the care of an experienced surgeon, bunion surgery is a safe and effective treatment option with a notably low risk of complications. In contrast, the probability of complications arising from untreated foot problems is significantly higher than those associated with bunion surgery.
Improved Foot Appearance
Bunions significantly alter the appearance of the foot, which can be a source of embarrassment for some people. Bunion surgery can correct the foot’s appearance, restoring its natural size and shape, ultimately improving the foot’s aesthetic.
Conclusion [Benefits of Bunion Surgery]
Bunion surgery is an effective and advantageous treatment option, as it can relieve pain and discomfort, improve foot function, enhance the quality of life, shorten recovery time, reduce the risk of complications, and improve the appearance of the foot. If you are suffering from bunions, it is advisable to discuss with your physician whether bunion surgery is a suitable treatment option.
FAQs [what are the benefits of bunion surgery]
Q: Am I likely to experience complications from my bunion surgery?
A: According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, fewer than 10 percent of patients suffer complications after having bunion surgery.
However, the surgery is not entirely without risk. Rare complications include infection, nerve damage and the possibility of the bunion reappearing. Infection rates at our Center of Excellence are less than one percent.
Q: How can bunion surgery improve my quality of life?
A: When performed by an experienced podiatrist/foot specialist like the ones at the Bunion Center of Excellence, bunion surgery can relieve your pain and allow you to return to activities you once enjoyed like exercising and dancing.
Q: Can I look at BEFORE and AFTER photos or talk to prior patients?
A: Our surgeon has a large gallery of photos for your viewing which depict very common post-operative photos and “before and afters.” These are located on our website under Before and After. If you wish to speak to one of our former patients, that too can be arranged with consent.
Q: Will I be pain-free after bunion surgery?
A: After the recovery period, which can last anywhere from between 4-8 weeks depending on the severity of the bunion, the majority of patients experience little to no foot pain. The only post-operative pain occurs in the first 24-72 hours after surgery and is easily controlled by pain medications.
Q: Will my toe be completely straight after surgery?
A: Your toe may not be perfectly straight after surgery; however, you should experience a great deal of improvement in toe alignment and joint alignment as well as resolution of the large boney deformity.
Q: Will I be happier with my foot’s appearance after surgery?
A: Yes! Most patients are much happier with the appearance of their foot and toe after having surgery. Please see our Before and Afters to view the typical post-operative result.
If you are suffering from painful bunions that haven’t responded to other treatments, we may be able to help you get back to the activities you once enjoyed. Our board-certified doctors offer the most advanced treatments in podiatric medicine.
Don’t let bunions control your life! If you or someone you know is struggling with painful bunions, share this article on the benefits of bunion surgery. With this information, you can take the first step towards a pain-free and more active lifestyle. Don’t let fear or misinformation hold you back from the relief and mobility you deserve. Share this article today!
Find out how to prepare for you bunion surgery.
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