Bunion surgery, also known as bunionectomy, is a procedure that involves the removal of a bunion. A bunion is a structural issue that forms a bump on the base of the big toe. There is a misalignment of the big toe joint, which causes the big toe to gradually turn towards the rest of the toes. During abunionectomy, the surgeon aims to correct this problem.
If you are thinking about getting bunion surgery and are wondering what to expect. This article covers what generally happens before, during, and after the procedure.
Before Bunion Surgery
Here are some important steps before undergoing bunion surgery. The procedure is performed by a podiatric surgeon.
1. Podiatrist Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a foot and ankle surgeon. They will examine your foot and discuss your options for treatment and whether or not surgery is the best approach.
2. Preoperative Instructions
Your foot and ankle surgeon may provide specific instructions to prepare for the procedure. This may include fasting and when to stop certain medications. You may also need to arrange for transportation to and from the facility.
3. Home Preparation
Prior to bunion surgery, it’s important to prepare your home for an easy and more comfortable recovery. Create a recovery zone in your home and make it accident-proof by removing clutter and making sure you create a space for resting and elevating your foot. Make everything you need for recovery within easy reach.
4. Recovery Assistance
Immediately after surgery, you can expect to have some physical limitations. For this, you may ask for some assistance from friends and family. Additionally, think about your meals and personal hygiene needs, and plan ahead.
During Bunion Surgery
You should arrive early to the facility on the day of your surgery. Here are some things you should know:
1. Anesthesia
Bunion surgery is performed under anesthesia, which blocks pain throughout the procedure. The surgeon may use either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, and will recommend the most appropriate one for your case.
2. Correction
The surgeon will correct the alignment of bones, joints, and soft tissues in the foot. By repositioning the toeand removing the bony protrusion, they restore the natural shape and pain-free function of the foot.
3. Recovery Room
After the surgery, you will spend some time in a recovery room under medical supervision. This allows the medical team to monitor your vital signs and ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of recovery.
After Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you return home on the same day. Here are some things you should know:
1. Recovery Timeline
The recovery period for bunion surgery typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months.
During this time, you may need to do the following:
- Keep weight off the foot as much as you can and use assistive devices such as crutches or a walker to minimize weight-bearing
- Wear a special cast or orthopedic shoe to protect your foot as it heals
- Elevate the foot as much as possible
- Apply ice to it to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Take medications as directed
2. Follow-up Appointments
Schedule your follow-up appointments with the foot and ankle surgeon and do not miss any. These are important for changing your dressing and monitoring your progress. Should you have any questions or concerns, your follow up appointments are the best time to discuss them with your surgeon.
3. Physical Therapy
Depending on your specific case, your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy. The exercises can help restore strength and normal range of motion in your foot, and can even help you go back to normal faster.
For a successful treatment, make sure to choose a foot and ankle surgeon who is highly experienced in bunionectomy. A board-certified and fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon will be well-versed in the latest surgical techniques and best practices related to bunion surgery.
Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Podiatrist in Naples, FL
Dr. Cody Togher at the Joint Replacement Institute has years of experience performing bunion surgery. He combines his specialized knowledge, as well as his skills and precision to produce the best outcomes for our patients.
Dr. Togher is trusted by our patients for his most advanced and highly individualized treatment approach to bunions. To find out what treatment Dr. Togher will recommend you, schedule an appointment with him today. Call our office at (239) 261-2663 or use our online appointment request form.
At the Joint Replacement Institute, we treat our patients in our world-class facility and care to create a comfortable experience for them. We look forward to seeing you soon!
