Bunion surgery is often required if you have a bunion, which is a bony bump at the base of your big toe. During the bunion operation, the bony bump is removed and your big toe is aligned into a straight position.
Bunion surgeries are very common in women, as they tend to have bunions more than men. Bunions occur when the two main bones in the big toe joint move and protrude out because the joint is misaligned. This bony bump is the bunion and a sac of fluid can sometimes form, which can become inflamed and painful. Bunions usually occur due to improperly fitted shoes, the shape of their foot and the way the person walks.
The only way to remove a bunion is to surgically remove it. The first line of treatment is to treat it non-surgically by wearing insoles and protectors to take the pressure off the bunion and reduce the pain. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are also used to reduce the pain and inflammation.
There are many different types of bunion operations. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the bunion, how far the bones have moved and the opinion of your physician.
The most common type of bunion surgery is osteotomy – where the bones in the big toe joint are cut and put back in line with each other. Other types include arthroplasty, but this is not common and is usually used when the bunions are really severe or in the elderly, and arthrodesis which is conducted if you have arthritis.
Recovery From Bunion Surgery - Bunion Surgery Recovery Period
Another type of surgery is called exostectomy, where the physician shaves off the bunion – the bone which is sticking out. In this case, the big toe joint bones are not put back into line with each other. This type is not used very often as the bones can still move and cause other bunions in the future.
Recovery from bunion surgery - After a bunion operation, you may be able to go home as early as one hour after the operation, depending on each individual. You will have to rest the foot for up to six weeks and avoid any weight bearing activities to shorten bunion surgery recovery period.
In order to prevent or protect bunions, always wear properly fitting shoes that provide lots of space for your toes; wear flat shoes or shoes with a low heel; place padding on the bunion to reduce the pain, inflammation and pressure on it; put insoles in your shoes to provide shock absorbency on the big toe joint; conduct exercises to strengthen the muscles in your big toe.
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