A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a deformity, thickening or swelling of the joint of the big toe. The big toe is turned toward the second toe and a painful bump is formed on the inside of the foot. This swelling rubs against shoes and makes walking painful. Though bunion pain can be reduced by using specially-made footwear, inserts and other temporary relief such as massage, surgery is the only permanent solution.
Description of Bunion Surgery
The surgery itself consists of making an incision in the skin of the foot to expose the toe joint and bones. The surgeon will then repair the bunion using different techniques including changing the length of ligaments; removing damaged areas and replacing them with screws, wires or a plate; shaving or removing part of the joint or eliminating parts of the bone and realigning them into a straighter position. Most patients can return home the same day the surgery is performed.
The surgeon may give the patient the choice between general anesthesia (where the patient is put to sleep) or local anesthesia (where the legs are numbed but the patient remains awake).
Before Bunion Surgery: Preparation
Before surgery, it is imperative that the patient tell the doctor which medications, supplements or herbal remedies are being taken. Smoking and drinking habits will also be discussed as these activities can have an effect on healing.
About two weeks before the actual operation, the doctor may instruct the patient to stop taking certain drugs; recommend seeing specialists if heart disease or other chronic conditions are present; and discuss any recent illness the patient may have had such as a cold or flu.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will not be able to drink or eat anything for six to 12 hours before the operation. A nurse will provide the patient with a list of items to bring to the hospital.
After Bunion Surgery: Recovery and Results
Besides the standard risks of any surgery, such as allergic reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, breathing problems, blood clots and infection, there are risks that are specific to bunion surgery. These risks include numbness in the big toe, poor healing of the incision site, nerve damage and a return of the bunion deformity.
Immediately after the surgery, the patient’s foot should be elevated especially for the first week. Recovery can take up to six weeks and the patient, though able to move around, will not be able to drive if the surgeon has decided to use casts. Some patients experience pain right after surgery, especially when moving to a standing position, but others find the pain bearable and do not require painkillers at all.
Bunions and the foot pain they cause can have a detrimental effect on daily activities. Surgery on bunions has become commonplace and is a good, permanent solution for those suffering from this condition.
Sources:
Richardson EG. Disorders of the hallux. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 78.
Kiester Jr., E., New Family Medical Guide, Better Homes and Gardens, 1982
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