Mon, 30 Apr 2012

2:44 AM - Bunion Surgery Los Angeles- Safely Treating Embarrassing Bunions

 
A bunion is a foot problem which develops causing a bump on the outside of your toe. The medical term for bunion is hallux valgus, Latin for turning outward of the big toe. People wearing poorly fitting shoes and shoes that are narrow pointed will often experience this problem mostly when comparing to others. Sometimes this even occurs due to arthritis, heredity and polio.

Bunion surgery involves a small and tiny incision placed at the top or side of the big toe joint. The soft tissue and the bone are realigned or removed to reduce the pain and to produce normal alignment to the joint.  The surgery lasts about an hour or more depending on the severity of the problem.

There are over 100 different techniques used to correct bunions. The type of surgery used will depend on your specific situation. In some cases, more than one procedure type can be done at a time.

 The general type of bunion surgeries used are:
  • Exostectomy or bunionectomy
  • Realigning soft tissues sround the big toe join.
  • Metatarsal osteotomy or phalangeal osteotomy.
  • Metatarsophalangeal joint.
  • Arthrodesis
  • Lapidus procedure
 
Recovery from Bunion treatment can take 6 weeks to 6 months where complete healing takes about one year.  Here are some guide lines during your recovery period:
  • Showering or bathing must be done carefully to keep the stitches dry.
  • Stitches will be removed after seven or 21 days.
  • Special shoes will be required to use for about 8 weeks after the surgery.
  • Putting weight on the foot for about six to eight weeks is restricted.
Advantages of this surgery include improvement of walking ability. However risks include infection in the soft bone or tissue of the foot, recurrence of the bunion, bend in the big toe in outward or upward, numbness of tingling, swelling, persistent pain and callus may be developed on the bottom of the foot.

Before deciding for Bunion surgery you must consider the following points:
  • Bunions may occur even after the surgery if you continue wearing high-heeled and narrow shoes.
  • Choose a surgeon who had performed number of surgeries on a regular basis.
  • Discuss all the expectations with your doctor because expectations will influence satisfaction.
  • Flexibility of the big toe joint may be reduced.
 
There are several considerations to be discussed this with your surgeon such as age, medical history, general health, occupation, lifestyle, expectations and the severity of your symptoms.
 
 

tags: bunion surgery

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