Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery is reserved for when conservative treatment such as shoe modifications and orthotics have failed to give any relief and the pain has begun to affect your activities of daily living.
There are a variety of different procedures that can correct a bunion and that largely, in part, is determined by the foot type that you possess and the severity of your bunion. Other factors taken into consideration include your age, weight, strength of bone, and your level of daily activities.
The procedure chosen for you will have an impact on your recovery period including the protective device that you will need, weight-bearing status, and ability to return to your normal activities.
Bunion surgery generally takes about an hour to complete under IV sedation and takes place in an out patient setting. Due to the anesthesia, patients are not permitted to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery and are not permitted to drive themselves home after the surgery. Lastly, a prescription for pain medicine will be given for your comfort after your procedure.
The Surgery
The most common bunion procedure involves shaving down the prominent “bump” followed by making a cut in the bone (metatarsal). This allows for the bone to be shifted back into a natural position. Once the bone is determined to be in a good position, the two pieces are stabilized with either a screw or a pin. The screw or pin is maintained internally unless it becomes bothersome in the future, for which it can be removed.
When the surgery is complete, a post-operative block is administered around the surgical site to yield numbness and a painless recovery for your return home. Even thought the numbness to the foot may last until the following morning, it is recommended that you begin using your pain medication around dinnertime the night of your surgery. Ice, foot elevation, and rest will all help to aid in a smooth recovery after your procedure.
After Surgery
The post-operative course for this surgery includes a sterile dressing and a protective shoe or walking boot. The dressing is not to be changed or tampered with until seen by your doctor after surgery. Patients are permitted to walk on the operative foot as instructed by your surgeon.
Depending on surgeon preference, patients will be transitioned back to a supportive athletic shoe as tolerated typically a few weeks after the surgery. In general it is advised to decrease or modify your activities after surgery as post-operative pain and swelling is correlated to patient activities.
Other Bunion Procedures
In rare instances, some bunion surgeries may require a more involved procedure including a different type of bone cut (osteotomy) or even fusion of bones. These cases may require the patient to be in a short leg cast for six to eight weeks with crutches and are not permitted to put any weight on the foot. Typically at six weeks the patient is transitioned to a walking boot and then eventually back to a normal shoe.
In general the recovery period involves two to three months until the individual is back to walking in normal shoes. For those individuals unable to safely use crutches, other devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and personal scooters are available to assist in the recovery period.
When To Seek Treatment For Your Bunions
Because bunions can cause a significant amount of discomfort, and because if left untreated they can cause permanent damage to your toe’s joint, it is recommended that you have your foot examined by an ankle and foot specialist if you are noticing any of the symptoms of a bunion.
The Podiatrists here at the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia specialize in the treatment of bunions and their underlying causes, and will work with you to determine the best treatment for your particular situation.
Get In Touch With Us Today!
To help you get back on your feet, please feel free to call the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia today at: 404-351-5015. Or you can CLICK HERE to contact us by email. We are ready and standing by to help you solve all your bunion problems.
