Bunions are lesions found on the toes. They are common in persons that have a condition known as hallux valgus. Conservative treatments are preferred because they are non-invasive. Surgery should only be considered if the conservative treatments are ineffective. Treatment is mainly aimed at restoring function. There are some important issues on bunion surgery San Francisco patients should be aware of before they sign up for it.
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 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.
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.
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 to recover from the surgery may vary from one patient to another. The duration depends on the soft tissue and the bones affected. In most cases, patients will recover after 6 weeks to 6 months. It takes about an entire year to attain complete healing. There are various precautions that are recommended for the patients. This are intended to reduce any risks and promote healing. The foot must not be exposed to water to prevent any damage on the stitches. Special shoes, walking casts, splints or wooden shoes may be necessary.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 to recover from the surgery may vary from one patient to another. The duration depends on the soft tissue and the bones affected. In most cases, patients will recover after 6 weeks to 6 months. It takes about an entire year to attain complete healing. There are various precautions that are recommended for the patients. This are intended to reduce any risks and promote healing. The foot must not be exposed to water to prevent any damage on the stitches. Special shoes, walking casts, splints or wooden shoes may be necessary.
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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