Bunions are a common foot deformity that podiatrists treat in patients. They cause painful bony bumps to form on the inner sides of the feet. As the bone pushes outward, the big toe pushes inward, putting a strain on the other toes. While some patients can resolve their bunions with non-invasive therapies, surgery is necessary in some cases. The doctors at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland, with offices in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD, are surgeons who can perform a thorough examination of your feet and decide if bunion surgery is the logical next step.
Reasons for Bunion Surgery
If bunions cannot be repaired through non-invasive techniques, bunion surgery (also called a bunionectomy) may be the only chance to fix this common foot deformity. Here are some common reasons why your Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD, doctor may recommend bunion surgery.
- The bunion has grown to the point where you cannot fit any of your shoes.
- Wearing orthotics does not move or realign the joints over time.
- The bunions are causing damage to the tissue and bones of the other toes or creating an issue where the toes are underlapping or overlapping each other.
- Bunion pain has reduced your ability to spend extended periods on your feet.
Bunion Surgery: What To Expect
Some bunionectomy procedures can be completed in the office on an outpatient basis while in some cases a short stay at a hospital may be required. The surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb the foot only and you will stay awake during the procedure. The doctor makes an incision at the base of the large toe and adjusts the joints, ligaments and bone tissue as needed. After stabilizing the joint, the last step is to stitch the treated area closed and add a wound dressing for healing.
Recovering from Bunion Surgery
Once your bunion surgery is complete, you'll spend some time in a recovery area before going home (with the help of a trusted person) to allow the anesthesia to wear off. You will likely be advised to stay off of your feet for at least a few weeks. Keep your dressing clean and take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your doctor for pain. You will visit your doctor for a follow-up appointment in about two weeks to remove stitches and check on the progress of your healing, which could take up to 12 weeks.
Bunion Relief for Your Feet
You don’t have to continue to live with the daily discomfort and embarrassment of a bunion deformity. Get more advice about bunion surgery at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland, which has convenient locations in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD. Call today to schedule an initial consultation with a podiatrist. Call today at (301) 924-5044 to reach the Olney, MD, office, (301) 439-0300 for Silver Spring, MD, (301) 868-7670 for Camp Springs, MD, (301) 942-8110 for Kensington, MD, and (301) 317-6800 for Laurel and Fulton, MD.