Bunion Surgeryâ?? Options For The Removal Of Painful Bunions

When the joint at the big toe enlarges and repositions, the
bump on the side and the curvature inward of the big toe is
referred to as a bunion.  Bunions can be very painful, not
cause any symptoms at all, or affect the patient
moderately.  Bunion treatment approaches are widely
varied, depending on severity, symptoms experienced, and the
preferences of the podiatrist treating the patient.
Bunion surgery is necessary for some patients, especially those
who are experiencing significant pain.  The surgical
solution to bunion problems is usually only utilized if more
conservative treatment options have failed.

Discussing the reasonable expectations for
improvement after a

bunion
surgery

with their physician can help patients understand the
recovery process better.  For instance, the general goals
for these surgeries are to reduce pain and restore function to
the big toe joint.  Post-surgery, the patient may need to
wear a cast or special shoes for six to eight weeks before
starting to return to normal footwear.  These types of
instructions are dependent on the type of surgery done and a
patient's individual foot.  Before surgery is attempted,
other forms of bunion treatment will likely have been
tried.

During bunion surgery, the surgeon enters
through a small incision in either the side or top of the big toe
to realign the joint, sometimes removing soft tissue or bone or
even putting in tiny screws and wires to help in joint
alignment.  There are over one hundred possible surgical
procedures that are done to treat bunion problems.  The
recovery period for surgery to correct bunions will depend on the
extent of the surgical procedures, usually from six weeks to six
months (but can last up to a year for complete healing).
The actual surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure where
a local anesthetic is used, possibly in combination with a
sedative.

Most of these

bunion
removal

options are not designed to 'cure' the bunion but to help
alleviate pain or keep it from getting worse and requiring bunion
surgery.  They can include ice packs and elevating the
foot.  Sufferers from bunions often take anti-inflammatory
pain medication, such as ibuprofen.  Wearing the right shoes
can also keep pain at bay.  Flat or low heel shoes with a
wide toe area are best.  Good arch support is also helpful
to keep pressure off the big toe joint.  There are special
orthotics and devices made specifically to relieve pressure on
the big toe while walking.  Some patients find that bunion
pads, moleskin, or felt inside the shoes can keep the bunion from
rubbing on the inside of the shoe and causing pain.