What You Need to Know About Bunion Removal Surgery

We perform bunion removal surgery and can answer any questions that you have about the procedure during a consultation. We will recommend surgery if we believe that you will feel better by undergoing it. If this is the case, we will explain what the process entails and schedule the procedure. In the meantime, we have compiled information on the basic facts that you need to know.

BUNIONS

You may need surgery if you have one or two bunions. A bunion is a bump made up of bone and tissue. It typically forms underneath the big toe, forcing it to point towards the second toe in an unnatural fashion.

DEVELOPING BUNIONS

There are several reasons that bunions develop, but it is typically due to wearing the wrong size shoes or shoes that are too tight for your feet. This is why women tend to develop them more frequently than men, due to wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight. Some patients experience relief by simply changing their shoes or wearing ones with comfortable padding.

However, if your bunions are making it difficult to walk or are causing you intense pain, do not delay in having your feet examined to deal with the problem.

BUNION REMOVAL SURGERY

There are several types of bunion removal surgery including an arthrodesis, osteotomy, and exostectomy. We will recommend a specific surgery after examining the size and condition of your bunions and feet.

On the day of the surgery, we will use anesthesia to numb the entire area of the bunion. Fortunately, bunion removal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure so the anesthesia will wear off quickly after surgery. In most cases, you can return home once we complete the surgery and make sure everything is wrapped up.

During the surgery, we may need to make other repairs to your foot. We will know if other repairs are necessary, before the surgery, after taking X-rays and conducting a physical examination. We do our best to explain what the procedure will entail, the steps, and process before beginning. By going over all of the necessary details, we can make sure that you understand what to expect and can prepare for it. If we are going to put a screw in your foot, for example, you will know ahead of time. In most cases, all that is necessary is to realign the foot once the bunion removal.

RECOVERING FROM BUNION REMOVAL SURGERY

It is important that you take the time to prepare for your surgical procedure. Immediately afterward, a friend or family member will need to drive you home. You will have a surgical boot on your foot that will remain there for two weeks. During this time, you will need to be careful when bathing and with daily activities since your stitches can not become wet.

Once we remove the boot, you may still need bandages around your foot and you will not want to put weight on it. Patients typically use crutches for several weeks while some patients prefer a wheelchair. We can discuss these options with you prior to the surgery.

Within six to eight weeks, you will most likely be able to put pressure on your foot and begin to return to normal. However, it can take several months for your foot to completely heal, so you still need to be cautious.