Details On Bunion Surgery San Francisco

By Amanda Baird


The majority of bunions are able to be treated without necessarily needing any forms of surgery. Nevertheless, there are instances when non surgical treatments are insufficient or do not work, something that would call for surgical operation. The best method to use, whether surgical or not, is decided by the orthopedic surgeon. In taking up bunion surgery San Francisco residents need to clearly understand the procedure.

A bunion is an enlargement of tissues or bones which are found around joints. Such joints are located at the base of the big toe. It is also possible for the enlargement to take place at the little toe. If in any case the joints undergo some form of stress over a period of time, bunions result. On a comparative basis, more ladies than men are affected because they tend to put on confined and tight shoes. The condition is also genetic and thus people in whose family it runs are at greater risk. Further, those with arthritis are more likely to contract it.

There are various types of bunion surgery and the one chosen is dependent on how severe the condition is, the age of the patient, their level of activity, their general health and the general condition of their bones and connective tissues. There are other factors that also inform the choice of procedure used.

In instances where the bunions are mild, the surgery gets rid of enlarged portions of bones. After this, the muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joints get realigned. For the moderate bunions, there is the cutting of bones and shifting them to their proper position. If in any case the bones need to be cut, this is dependent on the location and severity of the deformity.

If the bunions are severe, the surgical operation involves eradication of bone portions that are enlarged, the bones could get cut and realigned in addition to correction of tendons and ligaments. At certain times, the affected joints could be damaged such that they cannot get repaired as is the case when one is suffering from arthritis. This may call for reconstruction or replacement with artificial ones.

Reasons to undergo this surgical procedure include foot pain that results even when one is walking or putting on shoes that are flat and comfortable. Surgeries may also be recommended when chronic toe inflammation fails to subside even after one uses medications. Other reasons that call for surgical operations are toe deformity, inability to bend the big toe and drifting of the big toe towards the small one.

Similar to other forms of surgery, there are bound to be complications at times. After the operation, one could suffer from stiffness, infections, delayed healing or numbness. Other complications that may be experienced include recurrence of the bunions, nerve damage and continued pain. If one experiences any such complications, the doctor has to be notified at once.

In consideration of bunion surgery San Francisco surgeons give instruction that govern recovery. The process of recovery and the length of time it takes depends on the type of anesthesia given. Exercises and physical therapy would further accelerate healing.




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