5 Myths about Bunion Surgery
posted: Sep. 09, 2016.
- It’s going to hurt requires a general anaesthetic
- It makes you unable to walk afterward
- Post-op recovery takes months
- It won’t work
If you have bunions and are concerned about what to do next, don’t scare yourself by searching online for answers; consult a professional like podiatrist, Sheldon H. Nadal, D.P.M. for advice. With the internet, it’s easy to get sucked into seeking opinions from peers or unregulated “health” websites; but when it comes to your health, you should seek out an expert.
Bunions are deformities, primarily of the big toe joints that can be painful and debilitating. Mostly, bunions are hereditary, but some are a result of another medical condition like arthritis, or a structural deformity elsewhere in the body that has affected the biomechanics of the feet. A hip or back problem, a limb length discrepancy or a knee problem can all potentially cause bunions. And, although squeezing your feet into tight or pointy-toed shoes won’t cause bunions, this can definitely make them worse.
Debunking the Myths
1. If your podiatrist practices minimally invasive surgery, any discomfort will be minimal because the procedure involves micro-incisions made with specially designed instruments. Most patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers for post-operative discomfort.
2. Because only the smallest of incisions are made during minimally invasive surgery, there is less tissue damage, so the procedure can be carried out in the office with only a local anaesthetic to numb the foot.
3. Less pain, swelling, and disability means patients can walk out of the office with just a dressing on the foot and a special sandal to accommodate the post-surgical foot.
4. Recovery is super-quick because of the ability to walk immediately after the surgery. This reduces the potential for complications like blood clots. Casts and crutches are rarely necessary.
5. The severity of the problem and the choice of procedure affect the outcome of any ambulatory foot surgery.
Choose your podiatrist wisely: professionals like Sheldon H. Nadal have been successfully performing minimally invasive surgery for more than 30 years.
Resources:
http://doctormathews.com/bunion-surgery-vancouver/
http://www.aafas.org/bunions.html