Bunion surgery refers to a group of more than 100 procedures that correct bunions. Procedures can range from small incision minimally invasive surgery to complex open foot reconstruction.
Some bunion procedures involve simply shaving the bump, others involve fusing joints together, and some use hardware like wires, pins, and screws to realign the toe.
In some cases, the DeLoor Podiatry Associates team may recommend a combination surgery to treat other foot abnormalities, like hammertoes, at the same time as they correct your bunions.
The DeLoor Podiatry Associates team has extensive bunion surgery experience, so they can recommend the right approach for your situation.
If noninvasive approaches to relieve bunion symptoms fail, bunion surgery could be the right choice. In general, treatments like padding, custom orthotics, and oral medication have two goals: managing pain and preventing progression.
While helpful in some ways, those treatments don't reverse the bunion in any way. Only bunion surgery can reduce or remove the bony bump. Also, bunion surgery is the most effective way to prevent bunion recurrence because it restores normal bone alignment.
Bunion surgery recovery varies dramatically with the surgical approach. In general, most people have a 4-6 week bone healing period after bunion surgery. With many minimally invasive bunion surgery techniques, you can start partial weight bearing almost immediately.
You'll typically wear a walking boot during your recovery. The team guides your recovery, explaining how and when to bear weight on your foot, when to use assistive devices like crutches, and how to start physical therapy to regain normal joint movement and strength.
The DeLoor Podiatry Associates team can help you take steps to avoid bunion recurrence. It's important to address sources of stress over the affected joint, so that may include recommendations like wearing shoes with a roomy toe box, custom orthotics, and prescribed exercises.
If you want to find out how bunion surgery can help you walk better and feel your best again, call DeLoor Podiatry Associates or click the online appointment maker tool to arrange your consultation.
