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By Marsha Klein


A bunion is easily identified on a foot. It has the appearance of a protrusion or bump on the side of a toe. The affected big toe tends to lean towards the small toes. If the condition is not severe, it can be treated using non-surgical methods. However, if these methods fail, it is time to think about getting bunion surgery San Francisco.

Bunions occur when bumps of tissue and bone form on the big toe. They are a misalignment of bone and/or tissue growth. They most often occur on a big toe, but sometimes affect a small toe. They are sometimes red and very painful. If not treated, they tend to get worse.

More women suffer with this problem than men. The major contributor to having this condition is genetics. If your mother or father has a problem with bunions, your chances of having them is greatly increased. They sometimes can be caused by injuries to the foot like sprains. They are not caused by the type of shoes worn, but tight fitting shoes can make the condition worse or cause it to occur more quickly.

Most people try a non-surgical solution first. This can include things like wearing a wider shoe. Placing a pad over the affected area has been helpful for some patients. Others find relief with anti-inflammatory medication. Some find a shot of cortisone helps to relieve the pain. When these do not work, surgery is often the next step.

The surgeon will first get your medical history. He will give a thorough exam to the foot. Then he will take x-rays to study the foot's anatomy. He then can decide if an operation is the best option.

This operation is called bunionectomy. It is done to correct the deformity and to relieve pain. You will be given a regional anesthesia and a sedative. The surgeon will cut along the top or side of the toe. He will then remove and/or realign the bone and tissue. In severe cases, he may need to reinforce the area with wires, screws, or pins. It is based on your individual needs. The surgery will take about an hour. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the case. It can fall between six weeks all the way up to six months. Stitches can be removed from just seven days up to twenty-one. If pins or screws were used, they are removed after three up to six weeks. You will need a walking cast or special shoe for a time up to eight weeks. You are required to stay off the feet for some time. Your normal activities can be resumed in about six or eight weeks. If your case was severe, you may be told not to put any weight on the foot for up to eight weeks. In these cases, expect a longer recovery.

It is possible that it may return after the procedure. However, this most often happens when the patient wears the wrong kinds of shoes. Your ability to walk and the toe's appearance should both improve. Make sure that you fully research your doctor to make certain he is qualified to do the procedure. If you decide to go ahead, consider getting bunion surgery San Francisco.




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