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Podiatrist Toronto, ON Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M.
586 Eglinton Avenue E. Suite 501 Toronto, Ontario M4P1P2
Local: 416-486-9917 Toll free: (877) 456-3338

Bunion Surgery

Bunion Surgery 

A bunion involves a protruding of the joint of the big toe. The joint deviates or moves out of correct alignment. It causes the big toe to move towards the second toe, leading to a bump at the base of the big toe. In some cases, bunion surgery may be a good option to reduce symptoms. Below is more information to help you decide if bunion surgery is right for you.

Bunion symptoms 

Anyone can develop a bunion, but they tend to run in families. That means if one of your parents had a bunion, there is a chance you might develop one too.

Other than the joint misalignment, bunions may not lead to any problems. But in some cases, bunions may cause the following:

  • Pain on the joint
  • Callouses from the bunion rubbing against the other toe or shoes
  • Skin irritation at the site
  • Difficulty finding shoes that fit

Nonsurgical treatment

Typically, the first line of treatment involves nonsurgical options. In some cases, simple changes may alleviate bunion discomfort, such as:

  • Wearing shoes with a wider toe box
  • Placing a pad to cushion the bunion from irritation
  • Wearing a bunion splint

Some people may relieve the discomfort of a bunion with a combination of the above changes. But the tips above do not cure a bunion or stop it from becoming worse.

Why is bunion surgery performed? 

Not everyone gets relief from the above tips. Bunion surgery is performed to prevent the condition from getting worse. It is also done to relieve pain and irritation from the bunion. 

Bunion surgery may be recommended for a few reasons, including:

  • Worsening pain
  • Inability to bend the toe
  • Lack of relief from changing shoe type
  • Interference with activities

How is it performed? 

In the past, conventional bunion surgery was the norm. The surgery usually involved general anesthesia and a large cut into the skin to access the bone. But fortunately, techniques have improved, and minimally invasive bunion surgery is a good option for most people.

Minimally invasive surgery is performed with local anesthesia, which reduces complications related to general anesthesia. Your foot specialist also uses special tools, which allow for smaller incisions or cuts in the skin. Usually, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you will go home the same day. 

Although the exact procedure may vary, it’s common for the podiatrist to cut the big toe joint and realign it in the correct position. Minimally invasive bunion surgery generally results in less tissue damage and swelling than traditional bunion surgery.

How to prepare for bunion surgery

Your foot specialist will provide you with specific information about how to prepare for bunion surgery. Usually, preoperative instructions and procedures may include the following:

Pre-op tests: Your foot specialist may require a routine EKG and blood work to check for any underlying medical conditions that may interfere with surgery. 

Stopping certain medications: In some cases, you may be asked to stop certain types of medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery. But do not stop taking any medications until instructed.

Fasting: You may be given instructions to not eat or drink anything for a specific amount of time before surgery.

Recovery 

One of the main questions someone getting bunion surgery may ask is what their recovery will involve. The recovery from bunion surgery may depend on the specific procedure performed and an individual’s overall health. Having the procedure performed using minimally invasive surgery may also affect how fast you recover.   

Right after surgery, a dressing is applied, and postoperative instructions are given. You will likely be provided information on caring for the dressing, pain control, and how much weight you can place on the foot. Your foot specialist will provide specific instructions on how often you will go for follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

If you have any questions about bunion treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M at the Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in |Toronto.


https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery/

 


 

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