What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a painful state due to enlargement or overgrowth of the big toe joint. Here, the first long metatarsal bone drifts away from the others in the opposite direction. This protruding bone rubs against the shoe and causes irritation and pain.
Different Types of Bunions
It is of the following types:
- Small (mild)
- Medium (moderate)
- Large (severe)
- Hammertoes – A condition due to muscle imbalance where the toe is bent in a claw-like position.
What are the causes of bunions?
Some bunions occur over the years while the other may progress rapidly. Some bunions are painful while the others are not and not this does not depend on the size. Following are the causes:
- Heredity
- Shoe gear
- Tight or pointy shoes
- High heels
Candidates for Bunion Surgery
- Pain
- Difficulty in walking
- Difficulty in fitting shoes
- Worsening bunion condition
- Pain at the ball of the foot
- Failed conservative measures
Bunion Treatment Options
There are three kinds of Bunion treatments:
- Non-surgical – Every bunion does not require a surgery and can be cured with non-surgical treatments such as wider shoes, orthotics (inserts) and activity modifications.
- Surgical – A surgery is inclusive of an incision on the top or on the side of the big toe joint. Removal or realignment of the soft tissue and bone is performed here. If there is severe deformity, there is involvement of stitches, tiny wires, plates or screws. Another option is minimally invasive surgery also.
- Laser – In this surgery, a laser beam is focused which vaporizes the tissue and converting water present in cells into a steam. Bones are thicker containing less water that soft tissue and are easier to vaporize.
Foot Bunion Surgery Post-Operative Care
After surgery, one needs to take care of a number of things:
A plaster cast will be on the patient’s foot, which might be painful for which he will be given injections or medicines. If the pain gets worse, a general anesthetic might help. The plaster cast is changed and the stitches are removed in around three weeks. Do not get the plaster cast wet or press it unnecessarily.
After check-up the patient goes home, keep your foot on a high level but you can move around even climb stairs but driving is prohibited. For the first few weeks, you are confined within your home. Your toe might gets properly healed six months time.
You might need to consult your doctor if:
- You cannot move the toe
- Your toe is numb
- Your toe has become blue
- Your toe is swollen
- You have severe pain
Success rate of Bunion Surgery
The success rate of bunion surgery is generally high, that might as high as 85 percent. People who do not get any benefit from this surgery is very small. The success largely depends on the lifestyle of the individual. One should adopt a healthy lifestyle. Get a full body check-up done (BP, lungs, heart etc.). If you are on any medication then before surgery show it your doctor who will take the decision about the surgery.
Cost of Bunion surgery in India
In comparison to the western countries, the cost of bunion surgery in India is quite affordable. You can get the best of personalized medical services without shelling out a huge amount of money. The doctors are internationally trained and get the assistance of learned and dedicated staff. The technology, machinery and equipment that are used are the latest ones in the field.
FAQs of Bunion Surgery
Ques: What is Bunion Surgery?
Ans: Bunions are defects in the foot in which a bony structure forms in the base of the big toe. Bunions can have at any age group from 20 – 80 years. Some people live with them easily but for some, they create many problems like pain and discomfort which can be cured by Bunion surgery.
Ques: What are the reasons to form a Bunion?
Ans: There are many theories about how bunions develop and it can depend on many factors. As per experts, when the weight does not spread evenly on the joints of the feet for a long time then joints become unstable and form a hard lump. It can also be an outcome of hereditary foot deformity, arthritis, and any past injury. Sometimes, it can also be a result of high-heeled, too-narrowed, and tight shoes.
Ques: What are the symptoms of the problem?
Ans: The symptoms for bunions are bulging bump, pain, redness, swelling, burning sensation, numbness on the big toe.
Ques: Who will be a candidate for bunion surgery?
Ans: This treatment is not for every individual person. In the beginning, doctors prescribed conservative treatments like change in footwear, pain medications. Doctors prescribe surgery only if conservative treatments fail..
Ques: What will happen during bunion surgery?
Ans: Firstly, the doctor gives the anesthesia to the patient during the procedure. Then, the doctor will perform the procedure through small incisions near to the bunion, cut misshapen bone, and readjust it with the foot.
Ques: Which type of anesthesia involved in this surgery?
Ans: Doctors generally prefer local anesthesia with intravenous sedation while doing this surgery. In this anesthesia, the foot will numb and few medications will also be given to relax you during the surgery.
Ques: Is bunion surgery painful?
Ans:After the surgery, the patient will be having some discomfort after 1 week. The patient needs to follow the surgeon’s instructions to reduce swelling and pain. The pain experienced after bunion surgery is different from person to person.
Ques: Does bunion get worse?
Ans: Bunions are not the same for all patients, they are progressive and got worse over the time if they left untreated.
Ques: Is there any other way to avoid surgery?
Ans: Regular evaluation by doctor and x rays can regulate whether your bunion is progressing rapidly or not. In many patients, some treatments like the change of shoes, pain medicines, injections, padding, etc. can be helpful to avoid the surgery. But if you are using all the precautions and still you are feeling pain and discomfort, then surgery is the best option.
Ques: How long will it take to recover after bunion surgery?
Ans: Recovery will take many weeks. In the early 6 weeks, you should be restricted from your activities like avoiding too much weight on your treated foot, driving, bathing, working in a field job. Kindly consult this with your doctor as well.
Ques: After how long can I start wearing my regular shoes?
Ans: You can wear your regular shoes after 6 weeks of the surgery. However, it also depends on the severity of the treated bunion. Please note there is a chance of reoccurrence of the bunion in the future if you are going to wear the same shoes. Kindly choose comfortable shoes that support your curves and leave more space for your toes. You can ask your doctor for this. He will guide you on this issue.
Ques: How I should take care of my foot after surgery?
Ans: Your bandages and stitches should be clean and dry till your stitches are removed. While taking shower you should keep your foot away from water and cover it with a plastic bag. Always raise your foot while resting and sitting, take pain medicines to reduce pain, discomfort, and swelling. Do regular exercises suggested by your doctor. These are the things that can help you in speedy recovery.
Ques: Which type of shoes should I purchase for wearing after surgery?
Ans: You should purchase your shoes only 1 day before your surgery and they should not be tight as well. Always try your footwear with socks, take your foot measurement with shoe store staff, and choose half size on the upper side.
Ques: Can children also have Bunion?
Ans: Yes, at the age of 3 to 4 years the children can also have a bunion. However, the surgery is not the option for them until the child completes growth. The doctor can recommend to you another option to treat the same.
Ques: Can bunion surgery be done on both feet at the same time?
Ans: Yes, it can be treated at one time but it will be decided by the doctor and it depends on the severity of the bunions. It is better to treat one by one as it helps easy healing and comfortability. There should be a gap of 3 weeks in both surgeries.
Ques: Would I lose flexibility in my toe after surgery?
Ans: Flexibility in toe joints can increase or decrease after the surgery and it depends on the procedure technique. Nowadays many advanced technologies are there to treat bunions, with which you can get more flexibility in the toe. Please discuss this with your doctor as well.
Ques: Will I be having too much swelling after surgery?
Ans: Yes, there would be swelling which can increase slowly for the first 3 days after your surgery. If you feel that your bandage is tight then you should contact your doctor so that he can change the bandage. To reduce the swelling you can use ice packs for at least 30 minutes in 5 hours approximately. You should also consult with your doctor about this.
Ques: After how long can I do pedicure?
Ans: Pedicures can be done with your doctor’s permission only. Most probably after 6 weeks, you can do pedicures.
Ques: What is the approximate cost for bunion surgery and how I can get an appointment?
Ans: To know about the bunion surgery cost and appointment, kindly contact on below details:
E mail: info@mediconnectindia.com
Mobile/Whats app: +91 9717766080