Image Credit: Wexner Medical Center – The Ohio State University
“Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and spirit as well; …and not today’s pain or pleasure alone, but the whole being and outlook of a man.” – James H. West
A Bunion on the toe, is a protrusion of the big toe, caused by misalignment of the bones in the foot. Eventually a lump forms on the metatarsophalangeal joint. If the condition persists, it can become painful, and restrict activities such as the types of shoes that can be worn on the feet. Purchasing of shoes becomes a challenge for the patient. Minimally invasive bunion surgical procedures will be the best solution to your condition if you are diagnosed with a bunion.
After an initial analysis, your orthopaedic surgeon will be able to tell if you have any of the following classifications of bunions:
Mild bunion: Bunion treatment involves the bone minimization to eliminate the protrusions, and realignment of the muscles and other soft tissue in the joint.
Moderate bunion: Bunion treatment involves bone incision and realignment of the toe and soft tissue repositioning.
Severe bunion: Bunion treatment involves protrusion removal, bone incision and realignment, and soft tissue repositioning.
Arthritic bunion or big toe joint: Joint fusion facilitated in order to allow the bones to heal. Occasional reconstruction of the joint will be conducted during surgical treatment.
With appropriate surgical procedures, the ability to walk will be restored after the appropriate healing time, as well as reduction of other symptoms that are associated with bunions such as pain or swelling of the joint. From a cosmetic perspective, there will be an improvement in the appearance of the foot. The final appearance, post surgery will be as follows:
The bunion surgery varies in terms of the final treatment. In some instances only a slight numbing of the foot will be necessary. In other instances, anaethesia will be needed in order for the appropriate changes to be done by your surgeon. The treatment usually takes approximately 6 weeks for normal usage of the feet.
Treatment Preparation:
All surgical procedures have detailed plans. Your orthopaedic surgeon will highlight to you the risks and the associated benefits of your bunion surgery procedure. You will then proceed to prepare yourself by ensuring that you are not on any medications that will interfere with the surgery, particularly since you are on anaesthetic for the procedure. A detailed checklist will be provided by your bunion surgeon.
Surgery Day:
With the appropriate plans in place, you are now ready for your surgery. You will be advised on your dietary requirements in the hours preceding the surgery. Following the plan accordingly, and you’ll be well on your way to a speedy recovery. With an average surgery time of approximately two hours per bunion, you will be well on your way to either spend the post op hours at the hospital, or be able to return to your home to heal.
Consult with your doctor if you suspect that you have a bunion. With an appropriate plan, you will be able to have your condition treated, and your health restored.
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