What is Bunion Surgery?

Bunion surgery can be performed to relieve pain and correct deformities caused by bunions. A bunion is an enlargement around the joint of the big or little toe. This is called "bunionette," or "tailors' bunion." Bunions are often caused by a joint that has been stressed for a long time. Women are more likely than men to develop bunions, as they tend to wear shoes that are tight and pointed. Bunions can be passed down through the family. Bunions can also be caused by arthritis. It usually affects the joint of the big toe.

Your healthcare provider may suggest that you wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes before considering surgery (especially shoes that conform to your foot shape and don't cause pressure points). He or she might also recommend using orthotics and splints (special shoe inserts that are shaped for your feet) to reposition and/or cushion the big toe. Medicines can help relieve pain and swelling in bunions that are caused by arthritis.

Your healthcare provider might suggest surgery if these treatments do not work. Often, this will solve the problem. Surgery is performed to alleviate pain and correct deformities as much as possible. The surgery does not improve the appearance of your foot.

For example, X-rays can be taken of the foot and bone. For more information, please see the following procedures.

The type of surgery performed will depend on your age, health, level of activity, and severity of the bunions. The following factors can influence the type of procedure performed:

Mild bunions. The surgeon will remove the enlarged bone portion and realign the muscles and ligaments around the joint.Moderate bunions. The surgeon can cut the bone to move it into its correct position. The severity and location depend on whether the bone should be cut. The surrounding tendons and ligaments might also need to be repositioned.Severe bunions. Surgery may include removing the enlarged bone portion, realigning and cutting the bone, and adjusting the position of tendons and ligaments.The big toe or bunion joint can be affected by arthritis. The joint may need to be fused if it is beyond repair due to arthritis. The bones can heal together, reducing pain and allowing them to move freely. Joint replacement implants are sometimes used to reconstruct the big toe joint.

What are the Possible Reasons for Bunion Surgery?

If you experience severe foot pain, even while wearing comfortable flat shoes or walking, then you may need bunion removal surgery. If rest and medications don't help reduce chronic inflammation or swelling of the big toe, surgery may be necessary.

Toe deformities, the drifting of the big foot towards the small toe, and the inability to bend or straighten the toe are all reasons to have surgery.

Your healthcare provider may recommend bunion surgery for other reasons.

What are the Risks Associated with Bunion Surgery

Complications can occur with any surgery. Possible complications include:

Stiffness

Numbness

Swelling

Delayed healing

Infection

Complications may also include the recurrence of a bunion, as well as nerve damage and persistent pain. Surgery may result in an overcorrection, where the big toe is moved away from the rest of the toes.

Other risks may exist depending on your medical condition. Discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

How Can I Prepare for Bunion Removal Surgery?

You will be able to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have regarding the procedure.

Signing a consent form gives you permission to perform the procedure. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.

Your healthcare provider will also perform a physical examination to ensure that you are healthy before the procedure. You may be asked to undergo diagnostic tests such as blood tests.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies or sensitivities to medicines, latex, and tapes, as well as anesthetics (both local and general).

Inform your doctor of any herbal supplements and medicines you take, including those that are over-the-counter and prescription.

Inform your Foot Surgeon provider of any bleeding disorders you may have had in the past, and if you take anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications, aspirin, or other drugs that can affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medications before the procedure.

You should inform your doctor if you suspect you're pregnant or if you are.

You will be asked to fast 8 hours before the procedure. This is usually after midnight.

Before the procedure, you may be given a sedative to relax. You will need someone to drive home because the sedative can make you sleepy.

Depending on your condition, you may be asked to make other preparations by your doctor.

What Happens During Bunion Surgery?

The surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure or, in rare cases, during your hospital stay. The procedure may differ depending on the condition of your patient and the practices of your healthcare provider.

The majority of bunion surgeries are performed under ankle block sedation, which leaves your foot numb but awake. Sometimes, spinal or general anesthesia is used.

This is the general process of bunion surgery in Perth:

You will need to remove your clothing before you can wear the gown.

You may need to start an intravenous line (IV) in your hand or arm.

An antiseptic solution will be used to clean the skin around the bunion.

You will feel an injected needle if a local anesthetic is used. You may feel a short stinging. You will be put to bed using intravenous medication if general anesthesia is being used.

The severity of the bunions will determine how much bone, ligaments, and tendons are removed, or realigned.

The healthcare provider will stitch the wound and apply a bandage or dressing that is sterile.

What Happens After Bunion Removal Surgery?

You will be observed in the recovery room after your surgery. The recovery process depends on the type of anesthesia used. You will be asked to monitor the sensation and circulation of your foot. You will be discharged from the hospital or taken to your room once your blood pressure, breathing, pulse, and breathing have stabilized.

You will receive specific instructions from your healthcare provider on how to care for your foot in the first few weeks following surgery. You may leave the hospital with a cast or special shoe to protect your foot.

Rest and elevate the foot on one or two pillows at home to reduce swelling and pain. You may be advised to apply ice or limit your walking by your healthcare provider. After surgery, you may be told to use a walker or cane.

Keep the dressing dry and clean. When showering, cover the dressing in a plastic bag or plastic film and tape it with plastic tape. You can also take a sponge-bath. The stitches are removed at a post-operative visit that is usually scheduled two weeks after the surgery.

As directed by your doctor, take a pain reliever to ease soreness. Aspirin and certain pain medications can increase bleeding risk. Only take prescribed medicines. You may be prescribed antibiotics by your healthcare provider to prevent infection after surgery.

Report any of the following to your doctor:

If you have a fever of more than 100.4degF or 38degC, please consult your doctor.

Incisional redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage

Pain around the site of the incision

Lower leg swelling of the affected foot

You will be advised by your healthcare provider on what you should do postoperatively. You may need to wear a brace or continuous dressings for up to eight weeks following surgery. After surgery, you may be required to avoid driving for at least a week.

After surgery, physical therapy or exercises may be prescribed to help the foot regain its strength and range. After surgery, high heels should be avoided for at least six months.

Depending on your situation, you may receive additional instructions or alternative instructions from your healthcare provider after the procedure.