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

By Marissa Velazquez


Bunions are deformities that affect the toes. They are associated with a medical condition known as hallux valgus. This condition is characterized by an abnormally outwardly turned big toe. The bones of the big toe are subsequently oriented in an abnormal direction and subjected to excessive pressure when one puts on shoes. Treatment of this condition is mainly through conservative measures. If these measures fail then surgical correction is indicated. When planning to have bunion surgery San Francisco residents should ensure that they consult widely.

Bunions arise when individuals wear shoes that are too tight for them for a very long time. Shoes that are excessively narrow and pointed are one of the commonest predisposing factors because they force the feet to assume inappropriate positions. Bunions may also be inherited from one person to another. Heredity accounts for a small number of the cases.

If allowed to progress, these lesions become very painful and cause significant deformity. This is often the cause for those that are caused by arthritis. One of the non-surgical measures that can be undertaken is to change shoes to those that are properly fitting. The shoes that are chosen should conform to the shape of feet to avoid exerting excess pressure on prominent bony areas.

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.

Many hospitals and surgical centers consider this procedure to be an outpatient case. Patients are required to report a few hours before the appointed time. The first stage involves a complete evaluation by a member of the anesthesia team. It requires a local anesthesia although a general anesthesia may be used in selected cases. The procedure lasts for one hour and patients are allowed to go home after getting enough rest.

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.

Although rare, there are a number of complications associated with bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to know even as they consider undergoing the same. Commonly, patients may suffer connective tissue contractures, swelling, nerve and blood vessel damage, infections and persistent pain. Many of these complications heal spontaneously but a few may require specialized treatment.




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