Some Important Facts On Bunion Surgery San Francisco Residents Need To Know

By Marissa Velazquez


A bunion is a deformity of the foot that is attributable to a condition known as hallux valgus. Generally, most cases respond well to conservative therapies. In the event that these treatments are ineffective then surgical intervention is warranted. The main complaints of persons affected with the condition include pain, deformity and limitation in the normal function of the affected foot. When considering having bunion surgery San Francisco residents should do enough research on the procedure to determine whether or not they really need to have it.

This condition is particularly common in persons that have improperly fitting shoes. Pointed shoes tend to squeeze the fit into unnatural positions. Excessive pressure is exerted on protruding parts leading to recurrent inflammation and healing. Eventually, bunions are formed. There is also a role for hereditary factors in a few cases.

A bunion becomes painful over time if it is neglected. The discomfort caused by this condition can be eliminated without surgery. Those that are less painful are easy to manage with nonsurgical treatments. This can be done by ensuring the shoes worn are of the correct size and fit properly. If the condition occurs due to arthritis, medications can be prescribed to manage it.

Studies have found that a majority of patients who undergo the surgical procedure get the expected results. There are many types of surgical procedures that are used by specialized orthopaedic surgeons to manage the condition. These are designed to relieve pain, to realign the joints and to correct deformity. The type of surgical procedure to be done is dependent on a number of factors that include, among others, level of activity, extent of damage and general health status of the patient.

As if for any type of treatment, the first step if for the surgeon to take a comprehensive history on the condition and to do a physical. The history will help rule out the presence of any other diseases such as diabetes and arthritis all of which may manifest with similar symptoms. Radiological and laboratory examinations are then requested to locate the exact site of the problem.

Being a minor procedure, it is frequently done in the outpatient department. The patient is required to arrive at the facility early enough so that proper assessment can be done by the anesthetist and the attending surgeon. Alternatively one might be required to be admitted on the day preceding the surgery. Regional anesthesia is typically used but general anesthesia may be used in some cases. The total time taken from start to finish is about 1 hour.

The recovery period varies depending on the bone affected and the amount of soft tissue involved. The usual time required for recovery is between 6 and 24 weeks. Complete recovery may take up to one year. When taking a bath or showering, one must ensure that the foot is covered properly so that the stitches are kept dry. Walking casts, wooden shoes and splints are sometimes used. It is important to avoid putting too much weight on the foot.

There are several complications associated bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to know. They include nerve damage, recurrence of the bunions, degenerative joint disease, persistent pain and swelling and infection in the bone or soft tissue. These complications are treatable. However, they affect the time taken to achieve full recovery. In most cases, the surgeon explains the various options that can be used to treat the complications.




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