Bunion Removal Surgery

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Rob

If other attempts to heal the painful spot on the outside of your big toe have failed, you may benefit from bunion removal surgery.

The main goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and regain proper alignment in the joint. There are over many different surgical approaches to bunion removal, so it is a good idea to know your options and to consult with a qualified podiatrist as you plan for treatment.

Common Surgery Options for Bunion

The surgical approach that is most appropriate for your bunion will depend on the anatomy of your foot, the location and size of your bunion, and many other factors. Sometimes the best approach is to remove a section of the metatarsal bone; other times, the solution is to repair the soft tissues surrounding the metarsal that have created an imbalance.

Exostectomy (Bunionectomy)

This bunion removal procedure is used to remove the problematic section of the metatarsal head. The metatarsal is then realigned, and screws or tiny wires are inserted to stabilize the bone. Repair of the surrounding tissues may also be performed if necessary. These tissues may be too tight on one side and too loose on the other, creating an imbalance that causes the big toe to drift toward the others. Often combined with an osteotomy, the exostectomy shortens the loose tissues and lengthens the tight ones.

Osteonomy

During osteonomy, a wedge of the metatarsal bone is cut and realigned to achieve proper alignment.

Resection Arthroplasty

Used more frequently for older patients or those with acute arthritis, the goal of this procedure is to remove bone from the joint of the first metatarsal.

Most  bunion removal surgeries will take about one hour. A regional anesthetic will be used to numb the foot, and a sedative may also be administered to make you more comfortable.

Recovery from Bunion Removal

Though the estimation for complete recovery can take as long as one-year, bunion removal surgery may be the best option for some bunion sufferers. As with any surgery, recovery depends on the complexity of the surgery as well as your health and age. Some patients are able to begin walking after just a few weeks, while others cannot put weight on the affected foot for eight weeks. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery and you will be able to assume your regular activities, most likely with improved movement and increased enjoyment.

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Bulging Veins: Causes and Symptoms

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Rob

Veins that become perceptible by both sight and touch have numerous possible causes, ranging from thrombophlebitis to pregnancy. But whatever the cause, the result is that the valves of the veins fail to keep the blood flowing correctly. Instead, blood accumulates in the veins, causing them to enlarge.

Though visually disturbing and sometimes painful, bulging veins are often relatively harmless.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, less blood flows from the legs to the pelvis as a result of the increased pressure on the pelvic veins. Changing hormones also play a role in the development of bulging varicose veins. This condition often disappears on its own after you give birth.

Advancing age

As you age, your veins become weaker and begin to lose their elasticity. Aging veins are not as efficient at returning the blood back to the heart as they once were. Because of this, small amounts of blood pool in the veins, causing them to bulge.

Lack of exercise

Regular exercise supports proper blood circulation, and promotes healthy veins. Lack of exercise can lead to diminished circulation as well as weight gain.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis occurs when a clot forms in the veins just below the skin’s surface, causing inflammation of the vein. The vein bulges and may feel rope-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is rarely life-threatening. Treatment often involves heat therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and elevation of the extremity.

Unfortunately, bulging veins can also indicate much more serious health conditions such as infections, tumors or blood clots that can travel through the blood to the heart, lungs or brain. It is especially important that you pay attention to symptoms such as the formation of ulcers, sudden swelling, or prolonged discomfort. Please seek medical care if you notice any of these symptoms.

However, even if you don’t experience these more severe symptoms, it can be a good idea to seek medical help. Your doctor should be able to discern the cause of your bulging veins and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Most cases of bulging veins can be treated with minimally invasive approaches such as sclerotherapy, laser surgeries, and catheter-assisted procedures. These procedures are all geared at compromising the walls of the vein, causing the vein to seal and disappear.

Wearing compression stockings or support hose and taking breaks during long periods of standing and sitting are two simple ways to decrease your risk of developing bulging veins. During ambulatory phlebectomy, the problem vein is surgically removed. Read more about vascular surgery to treat bulging veins.

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Venous Reflux Disease

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Rob

Venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency, occurs when the valves that normally assist correct blood flow become diseased. Instead of carrying blood from the legs to the heart and lungs, the valves allow blood flow back into the legs.

The reflux causes pain, cramping and swelling. Sometimes the appearance of the skin will change too, with symptoms such as discoloration and even ulcers in those whose vein reflux disease has gone untreated for a long time. Some sufferers develop spider and varicose veins in association with the disease, while others don’t. Not everyone who has spider or varicose veins has venous reflux disease.

It is important for your health that you receive treatment for vein reflux disease. Left untreated, it can develop into other conditions such as superficial thrombophlebitis. Venous reflux disease does not disappear on its own.

Correct diagnosis of this disease is crucial in selecting an effective treatment. Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your medical history and symptoms, and will use Doppler ultrasound to locate the problem areas in the legs.

A Diagnosis of Venous Reflux Disease. Now What?

Vein stripping and ligation surgery have until recently been the standard procedures for treating venous reflux disease, but both are associated with a high rate of reflux recurrence. The following treatments performed by vascular surgeons are considered highly successful treatment approaches for venous reflux.

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT): a laser fiber is interested into the problem vein; the laser’s heat causes the walls of the vein to collapse, shrink and disappear.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): following the same concept as in EVLT, RFA involves applying radiofrequency energy through a catheter to the diseased vein.

In order to prevent venous reflux disease, it is recommended that you take breaks if you are regularly on your feet for long periods of time. If you are a nurse or waitress, for example, you are at a higher risk for developing both the venous reflux as well as venous and spider and varicose veins. Wear support hose or compression stockings and exercise on a regular basis to promote proper circulation.

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Surgical Arts of the Inland Empire Featured in LA Daily News

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Dr. Jacob Haiavy

Inland Empire cosmetic surgeon and ABCS member Dr. Jacob Haiavy’s new state-of-the-art AAAHC accredited surgical facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California was mentioned in an LA Daily News article titled “Being over 50, she was ready for her ‘close-up’” on May 5, 2011.

A few months ago I marched into my doctor’s office and uttered words that surprised even me: “I’m over 50 and I want my colonoscopy.”…Instead of a hospital I had my procedure done at the Surgical Arts of the Inland Empire, a surgery center specializing in cosmetic surgery.

Surgical Arts of the Inland Empire opened in 2010, featuring a wide variety of services for Inland Empire area patients including weight loss surgery, cosmetic foot surgery, cosmetic gynecology, vascular surgery, gastroenterology, orthopedic surgery, general surgery, and Dr. Haiavy’s specialty, cosmetic surgery.

Inland Empire area surgeons of all specialties are welcome to operate at this stunning new facility and can contact Dr. Haiavy for more information about participating in the practice.

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Bunions and Runners

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Rob

Bunion is the name for that ugly, bony bump residing at the base of your big toe. The enlargement is composed of both the bone from the joint where the big and second toe meet, as well as tissue from the swollen bursal sac that surrounds the joint.

Bunions occur when the big toe is constantly pressed up against the other toes, forcing the big toe into an unnatural, uncomfortable angle. Over time, the joint is compromised and begins to stick out as a testament to the abuse it has suffered.

For those who engage in a repetitive sport like running, bunions can be especially painful. Each foot strike puts pressure on the weak metatarsophalangeal joint and the sensitive surrounding tissues. Because bunions occur when foot alignment or structure is off, the location is also vulnerable to additional friction and press from running shoes.

Some runners with bunions have no symptoms, but many end up having to cut their training short, or even stop running completely.

Many runners develop them because they overpronate or wear ill-fitting shoes, but the most common cause is inheritance of foot structures susceptible to bunions. Either way, those with bunions need to learn to rehabilitate their feet with a few simple steps if they hope to continue running pain-free.

Common Causes of Bunions in Runners

  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Overpronation or other mechanical deficiencies
  • Previous foot injuries
  • Congenital deformities

Inflammatory or degenerative forms of arthritis that undermine the cartilage surrounding the big toe joint can also lead to bunions, as can standing for long periods of time in tight, pointed shoes.

Treatment

The most important measure in preventing or treating bunions is making sure that you have properly fitting running shoes. Too narrow shoes are often the culprits, so select a pair with a spacious toebox. You may also want to see a podiatrist to have your foot and ankle structure assessed. A podiatrist will be able to determine if you need orthotics, as give you more information about what type of running shoe will best suit your feet.

It can also help to place a toe separator between the big and second toe in order to create the space needed to ensure that your big toe is in proper alignment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and icing can help reduce pain and swelling.

Read about cosmetic podiatry for bunion and other conditions.

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