Everything You Need to Know About Bunion Surgery

Why might I need bunion surgery?

You may need bunion surgery if you have severe foot pain that happens even when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes.

Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines.

Other reasons for surgery include toe deformity, a drifting in of the big toe toward the small toe, and an inability to bend and straighten the big toe.

What are the risks of bunion surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, complications can happen. Some possible complications may include:

• Stiffness
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Delayed healing
• Infection

Other complications may include recurrence of the bunion, nerve damage, and continued pain. The surgery may also result in overcorrection of the problem, in which the big toe extends away from the other toes.

How do I prepare for bunion surgery?

• Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and offer you the chance to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
• In addition to a complete medical history, your healthcare provider may perform a complete physical exam to make sure that you are in good health before undergoing the procedure. You may undergo blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents (local and general).
• Tell your healthcare provider of all medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for you to stop these medicines before the procedure.
• If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your healthcare provider.
• You may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the procedure, generally after midnight.
• You may receive a sedative before the procedure to help you relax. Because the sedative may make you drowsy, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparation.

What happens after bunion surgery?

After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Your recovery process will vary depending on the type of anesthesia that is given. The circulation and sensation of the foot will be monitored. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room or discharged to your home.

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for caring for your foot at home during the first few weeks after surgery. You may be discharged from the hospital wearing a special surgical shoe or cast to protect your foot.

Once you are at home, you will need to rest and keep the foot elevated on 1 or 2 pillows to help reduce pain and swelling. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you apply ice and limit walking. You may be advised to use a cane or walker following surgery.

It is important to keep the dressing clean and dry. You should cover the dressing with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and tape it with plastic tape when showering. An alternative is to take a sponge bath. The stitches will be removed during a follow-up visit, generally scheduled about two weeks after surgery.

Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medicines. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection following your surgery.

Notify your healthcare provider to report any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
• Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site
• Increased pain around the incision site
• Swelling in lower leg of the affected foot

Your healthcare provider will advise you as to your postoperative activities. Your foot may need continuous support from dressings or a brace for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. You may need to refrain from driving for a week or more after surgery.

Exercises or physical therapy may be recommended to help the foot recover its strength and range of motion after surgery. High heels should be avoided for at least 6 months after surgery.

Your healthcare provider may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

Source: hopkinsmedicine

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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