Bunionectomy:
A bunion, commonly misspelled as “bunyon” and “bunnion,” is a bump that protrudes from the side of your big toe joint, and can cause extreme pain or discomfort. There are several signs to watch out for that could signify you are developing a bunion, including:
- Lump on outside of foot
- Painful lump on foot
- Sore feet
- Pain in joint of big toe
- Painful feet
If you suffer from bunions, it is important to seek treatment while the bunions are in their earliest stages, so that your podiatrist can treat the bunion through conservative methods.
If less-invasive treatments have not cured your bunions, you may want to consider a surgical option. The majority of surgical treatments for bunions involve a bunionectomy, which is a procedure to remove the bunion.
Preparing for bunion removal surgery:
Whoa! Preparing for bunion removal surgery is not a walk in the park. You need to take some serious steps to make sure you’re ready for it. Here are some tips that might help, but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart.
- First things first, you need to consult with a board-certified podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon. They’ll take a good, hard look at your foot and take some X-rays to determine how bad your bunion really is. And let me tell you, surgery might not even be the best option.
- If you do decide to go ahead with it, make sure your home is ready for your recovery. You’ll need a comfy chair or recliner and supplies like bandages, ice packs, and medications. And don’t forget about transportation! You won’t be able to drive after the surgery, so you’ll need to arrange for a ride to and from the hospital or surgical center.
- Your doctor will give you some instructions to follow before your surgery, like stopping certain medications and fasting beforehand. And on the day of the surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t put any pressure on your foot. Slip-on shoes or sandals are a good idea too.
- Recovery from bunion removal surgery is no joke, so you need a support system in place. This might mean leaning on family or friends for help with things like cooking, cleaning, and transportation.
- And let’s not forget the risks. Oh boy, there are risks! Infection, bleeding, and nerve damage are just a few of the things that could go wrong. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have.
All of these steps might make you feel like you’re in over your head, but by following them, you can help ensure a safe and successful bunion removal surgery and a smooth recovery. Good luck!
Bunionectomy Procedure
A surgical procedure to excise bunions, bunionectomy involves the removal of the inflamed tissue around the big toe joint. During the procedure, your board-certified surgeon will use IV sedation to ensure you remain comfortable and free from pain.
After making an incision at the top of the big toe, or along the side of the foot, the surgeon will then remove part of the bone in order to realign the toe joint. He or she may utilize screws, pins or plates to support the bone in its new position. Shortening loose tendons and ligaments may also be necessary.
When the surgeon finishes the bunionectomy, he or she will use absorbable sutures to close the incision.
After a Bunionectomy: Bunion Surgery Recovery
The board-certified podiatrists at the Bunion Center of Excellence will sit down with you after the procedure to discuss your recovery. Although recovering from a bunionectomy may take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the bunion, patients often experience a profound improvement in quality of life.
Typically, patients are able to be use a protective boot to bear weight shortly after having bunion surgery. Anti-inflammatories are very effective for controlling post-op pain. While most patients resume wearing regular shoes just 4-8 weeks after having surgery, avoiding improper footwear and high heels can be essential to preventing a bunion from recurring.
Alternatives To Bunion Surgery:
Hey there, have you ever thought about avoiding bunion surgery? If you’re interested, there are a few things you can do to prevent the growth of bunions from worsening! For starters, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing shoes that are the right size and shape.
It’s not just about size, so be sure to try on new shoes in the afternoon when your feet are extra tired and perhaps swollen. The perfect shoe should fit well, provide proper arch support and have enough space in the toe box for those little piggies to wiggle around.
Another thing to consider is that if the bunion is diagnosed early, an injection of a steroidal anti-inflammatory medication around the joint may be enough to decrease the irritation in the area and allow the joint to recuperate. Couple that with proper shoes, and voila! You may be able to halt the progression of the condition and avoid surgery altogether.
If you’re experiencing pain, try out a cream that contains the same ingredient as found in chili peppers, capsaicin, applied locally to the joint. Some people have found that this can help decrease pain. But, if deformity and the associated severe pain have already taken root, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to avoid surgery.
Learn more about Bunion here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will I be able to walk right away after a bunionectomy?
You should be able to bear weight with the aid of a protective boot immediately after your bunionectomy. Some patients require crutches to aid them in walking for the first few days. Your surgeon will let you know when you can resume walking and other normal activities after having surgery.
Q: Will my bunion come back after surgery?
A: Bunionectomy is a very effective treatment in that it removes the bunion, relieving the pain and discomfort it can cause when walking and performing other activities. However, proper foot care after surgery is essential to prevent bunions for recurring. After surgery, you should avoid high heels and other improper footwear. You may also want to consider using corrective orthotics.
Q: Am I a candidate for bunionectomy?
A: Not everyone is a good candidate for a bunionectomy, and if a bunion is in its early stages, you may want to consider less invasive treatments. Bunions tend to worsen with time, so it’s important to seek treatment early if you think you may be suffering from bunions.
Q: Will I be under anesthesia during surgery?
A: At the Bunion Center of Excellence, our surgeons perform a bunionectomy with IV sedation. You will not have to be under anesthesia.
Q: How much pain will I experience after my bunionectomy?
A: While patients do experience some pain after a bunionectomy, OTC pain relievers and anti-inflammatories offer effective relief.
Q: How many bunionectomies do you perform each year?
Well, let me tell you, it really varies depending on a number of factors, such as the specific needs of each patient and the demand for the procedure. However, I can assure you that I am highly experienced in this area and have performed numerous successful bunionectomies.
Q: Are there any clinical trials for new medications or new types of procedures available?
Well, it just so happens that there are constantly new developments and advancements being made in the field of medicine. While I can’t speak to all ongoing trials, I can tell you that I stay up-to-date with the latest research and strive to offer the best possible treatments to my patients.
Q: What complications have you seen with this procedure?
It’s important to note that, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. However, with proper preparation and aftercare, the likelihood of complications can be minimized. Some possible complications include infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. But rest assured, I take every precaution necessary to ensure a safe and successful outcome for my patients.
Q: What choices do I have for anesthesia?
Well, there are a variety of choices available, including local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Your individual needs and preferences will be taken into consideration when determining the best option for you.
Q: What can I expect during the recovery period?
It’s important to note that the recovery process can vary depending on the specifics of the procedure and the individual patient. However, generally speaking, patients can expect some pain and swelling in the affected area for a period of time. Your doctor will provide specific instructions for care and rehabilitation to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Q: When can I return to my work and other regular activities?
This can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure. Your doctor will provide guidance on when it is safe to return to work and other activities. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Q: How soon after the surgery can I drive?
You may also be wondering when it will be safe to get back behind the wheel and hit the open road after your bunionectomy. This can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the specifics of the procedure and the individual patient’s progress in recovery. Your doctor will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume driving.
Q: How much improvement can I expect after surgery?
Lastly, you may be wondering how much improvement you can expect after the procedure. It’s important to note that the amount of improvement can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specifics of the procedure. However, many patients experience significant improvement in their pain and mobility after a successful bunionectomy.
Learn about possible complications associated with bunions.
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