Information About Bunion Surgery San Francisco Patients Will Find Helpful

A bunion is an often painful condition that arises when the joint of the big toe gets shifted excessively inwards, causing it to bulge out. When this happens, it can be uncomfortable standing for extended periods and even walking, and the other toes can get crowded out. High heels are often the culprit, making women more susceptible to bunions than men. It can be corrected surgically, but it's a good idea if before going ahead with bunion surgery San Francisco patients first find out all the details.

If treated early on with a brace or splint on the toe the condition can improve somewhat and if there is irritation to the adjacent toe, corn pads may be helpful, but most often they only relieve the pain temporarily. There are certain types of shoes which are more accommodating to bunions, and if fallen arches are an issue, arch supports can be worn.


Those bunions which are more severe can only be remedied by a surgical procedure. If a patient has not responded well to non-operative measures and is considerably afflicted with pain, surgery is indicated. The operation is performed while the patient is given a combination of local and general anesthetic, with more of the former used so less of the latter is needed. It is often done as an out-patient procedure, but sometimes an overnight stay is necessary.

The proper name for the procedure is an "osteotomy". The bone of the big toe, called the metatarsal bone is divided and put back into its normal position and the bony protrusion is trimmed away. Strength is restored to the large toe and the upper foot is effectively narrowed. The bones will be held together with surgical screws or staples until it heals fully and a special type of post-operative shoe is worn to protect it.

After the procedure, it is normal for the foot to be swollen and painful under its bandages. Medications can help control the pain and elevating the foot to heart level can ease the swelling. It is important to wear the post-op shoe continuously, even when sleeping. Two weeks later, stitches can be removed, and exercising the toe regularly starting with immediately after surgery can help prevent stiffness.

Wearing the post-op shoe for the first six weeks after the operation is typically required, after this time an open-toed sandal with adjustable straps can be worn instead. Regular footwear can be worn in another six to eight weeks, and once it's been three to six months since the procedure, the patient may once again engage in sporting activities.

Overall, there is a marked improvement in most patients. Very rarely a complication may occur such as skin infection, blood clot, toe sensitization, stiffness, problems with surgical screws, non-healing of the bone, or a problem with weight being transferred to the second toe and a corn forming on it as a result. These incidents are very uncommon though, and most people enjoy good results.

When interested in the prospect of bunion surgery San Francisco patients need to understand that this operation is considered the last resort once all other attempts to manage pain and symptoms have failed. It isn't normally recommended as a means of preventing advancement of the disorder or to improve the appearance of the feet.

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