What You Should Know when Considering Bunion Surgery
Having to deal with Bunions can make areas around the forefoot painful and walking extremely difficult. If left untreated, they tend to become larger, more deformed and may cause more pain.
A hallux valgus, otherwise known as a bunion, is an enlargement of bone or tissue around a joint at the base of your big toe or little toe causing some of the bones in the forefoot to be displaced.
Over time, the discomfort of dealing with this issue can have a severe effect on your daily activities. If you are considering bunion surgery, here are some things you should know.
Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery entails correction of the deformed area of the foot near the big or little toe by a surgical procedure. It may be time to consider this type of operation If you are suffering from bunions and are experiencing any of the following situations:
- Prohibitive pain restricts your everyday activities and routines.
- Severe foot pain as a result of walking short distances.
- Swelling and pain in the big toe even after taking medication and rest
- Inability to bend your big toe
- Your big toe is bent to an unnatural position
The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and correct as much of the deformity as possible. It may be time to examine the effectiveness of bunion removal surgery and how it can help you get back on your feet.
Types of Bunion Surgeries
There are different types of bunion surgeries, including, but not limited to, osteotomy, exostectomy, and arthrodesis.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy is a bunion surgery for mild cases of bunions. The surgeon creates an incision into your big toe joint in order to realign it into a normal position.
Exostectomy
Exostectomy is a bunion surgery for those with severe bunions. The surgeon removes enlarged portions of bone that are attached to the bunion. After the bone and bunion are removed, the surgeon will then work to restore the position of the tendons and ligaments in the forefoot.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis is a bunion surgery with a joint that is likely irreparable. It involves artificially fusing bones in a joint. Sometimes joint replacement implants are used to reconstruct the big toe joint when being fused. This is an option to consider when foot pain cannot be managed by medication, splints, or other treatments.
There are several types of bunion removal and surgical procedures available. Every patient is different and will require a unique plan for treatment.
A Better Life Awaits, Seek a Podiatrist
Podiatrists are specialized medical care practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. They are able to treat lower limb conditions ranging from bunions to ulcers and nerve damage.
Individuals suffering from bunions due to overpronation, long-term foot stress, or genetics should talk to a foot specialist about bunion surgery.
At The Foot Doc™, we are dedicated to providing tailored treatments for the best results possible. We are a full-service, board qualified podiatric provider that can properly inform you of the next steps needed to treat bunions.
It is important to have realistic expectations about bunion surgery and how it can help your current situation. If you are looking for the best podiatrist in the Phoenix area, request an appointment today. We are here to help.