A bunion is a lump that forms on the first joint of the big toe. This can cause extreme pain. When a bunion causes pain in every step, it is time to have your podiatrist check it to see if you need Bunion Surgery. This surgery can help to remove the lump and correct the alignment of your big toe so you no longer experience pain. If your foot doctor has said you need this type of surgery, this information will help to prepare you.
Before your surgery begins, you will be put to sleep through anesthesia. This prevents you from feeling any pain and helps to ensure the surgery will be safe. Once the anesthetic has worked, your procedure will begin.
An incision is typically made on the outer side of the big toe, so the affected joint side can be corrected. The foot surgeon will remove the bony lump from the toe and will then work to realign the joint. This is done through different means, depending on the degree of curvature in your toe.
Once your toe is in the proper position, screws, wires or plates may be used to keep the proper alignment. In some cases, the foot doctor may decide to fuse the bone joint together, so it can no longer bend. This is typically only done in extreme cases of bunion problems or when other bunion surgeries have not been successful.
The surgery normally takes around an hour, but can be longer if extensive work is needed. It can take between six weeks to six months for your toe to heal after Bunion Surgery. The healing time will depend on the extent of work done and on whether or not bone was removed. You will most likely have to wear a cast, splint or special shoes until your toe completely heals.
If you have a painful bunion, visit Footandanklespecialistsofnj.com. They can offer you a wide array of foot treatments so your foot health is no longer compromised. Contact them right away and schedule an appointment so you can get started towards having healthier feet.
