Bunion surgery is a surgery to reduce the deformity in your foot and prevent recurrent bunion formation. It is performed on the forefoot and is most commonly seen in women between 20 and 40. The operation involves surgical debridement of bone, often from pressure from footwear, to release or realign bones. Sometimes there are complications like nerve injuries and infections in the foot, so patients must find a surgeon with experience performing this procedure who also understands their other health concerns. Choosing someone you trust and feel comfortable with as your surgeon is essential for better surgical outcomes. Here are intriguing things that you should know about this procedure:

Bunion Surgery Can Be Done Under Local, General, Or Laparoscopic Anesthesia:

Your podiatric surgeon will help you decide which kind of anesthesia should be used for bunion surgery. They would typically guide you through the risks and benefits of each. You will most likely be offered a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, with general or laparoscopic anesthesia as your primary choice if needed. The choice of your surgeon would depend on the extent of the bunion surgery and treatment in Singapore required. Your comfort levels and previous experience also factor into this decision.

Hospital Stay

The average hospital stay for bunion surgery is usually one to two days in the hospital, depending on your personal needs and the extent of your surgery.

Pain and Swelling

Pain and swelling after bunion surgery is unavoidable and would cause discomfort, making it difficult to walk or even stand on your feet. First, ice packs should be used to manage the pain, making it easier for you to move around and help with the swelling. The swelling is normal and will often subside after a few days since all of that fluid is being reabsorbed by the body. The pain after bunion surgery usually lasts for a month, with the swelling lasting anywhere from two to four weeks before it subsides.

Recovery

The recovery process after bunion surgery is quite simple. After being discharged from the hospital, you would be asked to keep your foot elevated and off your leg for a week to ensure that the incision heals nicely, providing you with a stable base for all your future orthotics. You will also be advised not to wear any shoes during this period, making it easier on the healing incisions and your stitches.

Exercises

In addition to your recovery process, the doctor would also have you perform specific exercises, including walking with your orthopedic boot and ankle and toe exercises. The orthopedic boot would ensure that all of the weight is not placed on your incisions and stitches during this period. As for the ankle and toe exercises, you must complete them since this will help achieve maximum flexibility in those joints. That can be done by pointing and flexing those toes and moving them in circles whenever possible to help improve your range of motion.

Even after surgery, the bunion often returns. Others experience long-term problems with their foot when they resume wearing shoes or other footwear that is too tight to fit over their bunion. These problems include pain, inability to walk for long periods, and a callus on the bottom of the foot. Patients should follow their surgeon’s advice about shoe size and avoid tight-fitting shoes post-surgery for better outcomes and less frustration in daily life.