Guide To Bunion Surgery San Francisco

By Marsha Klein


A bunion is a protrusion on the side of a big toe. This toe tends to lean in the direction of the smaller toes. The condition is usually treated non-surgically first. If these methods do not work, it may be time to get 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.

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 type of operation is referred to as a bunionectomy. It corrects the toe deformity and also should help to relieve pain. A regional anesthesia and sedative are usually administered. An incision is made along the side or top of the toe. Bone and/or tissue is then realigned properly. Severe cases may require reinforcement with screws, wires, or pins. It will all depend on your individual needs. The procedure usually takes around an hour and is done as an outpatient.

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.

Bunions can reoccur. However, if you wear the right kind of shoe, this is less likely to happen. Be sure to get a fully qualified surgeon. When ready, be sure to get bunion surgery San Francisco.




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