A bunion is a painful bump appearing at the base of the big toe that forms when bone or tissue moves out of place.
Bunions are common (especially for women) and can be a source of chronic foot pain. If you’re suffering with a bunion, there are a variety of procedures that can help, including bunion surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Bunion Surgery?
Most bunions can be treated through non-surgical methods (e.g., wider shoes, anti-inflammatory medication or padding). If you’ve exhausted these more conservative approaches and you’re still suffering with chronic pain, then you’re likely a good candidate for bunion surgery.
What Happens During Bunion Surgery?
Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure that is typically completed in about an hour. Prior to your procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic combined with a sedative to ensure your comfort during surgery.
The goal of bunion surgery is to restore normal alignment and relieve chronic pain. A variety of techniques may be used to accomplish this, including:
- Removing part of the metatarsal (the part of your foot that is bulging out)
- Realigning ligaments around your big toe
- Removing a small wedge of bone from your foot or toe
- Fusing your big toe joint
Pins, plates or screws may be necessary to hold your bone in place during recovery. Following your procedure, all incisions will be secured with sutures.
After Bunion Surgery
The length of your recovery will depend on the extent of your procedure. In some cases, 3 months or longer may be required for a complete recovery.
Pain medication will be available to help you manage discomfort. You will also need to wear a special post-operative shoe to protect the healing bone. Crutches may be necessary for mobility during your recovery.
Scheduling Your Appointment
If you’re considering bunion surgery, contact Surgical Arts of Inland Empire at (909) 579-3111 to set-up a consultation. We would be happy to discuss how you can benefit from bunion surgery in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
