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.

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.

If intervention does not take place in timely fashion, the condition progresses rapidly over time and may even result in some irreversible defects. Management should be focused mainly on prevention rather than waiting for things to get out of hand first. Replacing ill-fitting shoes with the correct ones is the most obvious remedy. When buying shoes, ensure that they resemble the shape of your feet to reduce discomfort.

The good news is that most people respond with proper treatment. A great majority of those who undergo surgery recover almost completely. This particular area falls under the specialties of orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of the corrective procedures is to relieve pain, to realign the affected joints and to correct any other deformities. The choice of specific procedure to be performed is dependent on a number of factors that include level of activity, severity, age and general health status.

A patient has to be examined by an orthopaedic surgeon prior to the surgery. A medical history helps the surgeon to gather information about medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure. A physical examination helps in the assessment of extent of damage to the soft tissues and misalignment of joints. The exam also helps check for the presence of corns and hammertoes. X-rays provide detailed information about the extent of the deformity and damage in the toe joint.

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 time required for recovery varies from one person to another. This time is mainly dependent on the type of connective tissue that was affected. On average, most people report recovery within six months. There are a number of measures that can be put in place to ensure that healing takes place in the right way. When showering, cover the area to make sure that it does not come into contact with water. Wooden shoes, splints and walking shoes are recommended.

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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