Information On Bunion Surgery San Francisco

By Marsha Klein


A bunion is easily identified on a foot. It has the appearance of a protrusion or bump on the side of a toe. The affected big toe tends to lean towards the small toes. If the condition is not severe, it can be treated using non-surgical methods. However, if these methods fail, it is time to think about getting bunion surgery San Francisco.

Bunions are bony bumps of bone and/or tissue that have formed on the side of the toe. They are usually the result of a misalignment of bone and even additional bone growth. They usually occur on a big toe, but they can also appear on a small toe. They can turn red and be quite painful. They will tend to get worse with time if not treated.

This condition is found more often in women than in men. Heredity and genetics are major contributors for suffering this condition. If your family has a history of bunions, you are likely to eventually have them too. However, they can also be caused by certain foot injuries. They are not caused by wearing the wrong shoes. However, wearing shoes that do not fit properly can make them get worse or show up faster.

Most people try a non-surgical solution first. This can include things like wearing a wider shoe. Placing a pad over the affected area has been helpful for some patients. Others find relief with anti-inflammatory medication. Some find a shot of cortisone helps to relieve the pain. When these do not work, surgery is often the next step.

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 time is based on how severe the problem was. It can vary from 6 weeks up to 6 months. Stitches are usually removed from a period of 7 to 21 days. Outside screws or pins are taken out after 3 to 6 weeks. The patient is required to wear either special shoes or a walking cast for a time period of up to 8 weeks. If the case is very severe, the patient may not be allowed to put any weight on the foot for up to 8 weeks. The more severe the case, the longer the recovery time.

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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