Showing posts with label Bunion. Show all posts

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Bunion Surgery Recovery

Bunion Surgery Recovery

Do you have an enlarged tissue or bone around a joint at the base of the little or big toe? This growth is called a hullux valgus, or simply a bunion. While most bunions can be treated without having to go through surgery, the procedure can help correct deformities on the foot, reduce pain and help you get back to your normal routine in a short period of time. Wondering about the time it takes for recovery after a bunion surgery? Read on to find out.

Bunion Surgery Recovery: Timeline

Recovery starts at the surgical center and ends at the home of the patient. After the bunionectomy, post-surgical care is provided immediately at the surgical center. The foot is monitored for excessive swelling and bleeding. You can expect to see some swelling in the area after the procedure. You will stay at the recovery area of the surgical center for several hours prior to being discharged. This gives the medical professional time to monitor the after-effects of the anesthesia as it wears off. Some of the common effects include vomiting and nausea. You will be given a snack such as juice and crackers to see how you respond.

The patient will only be discharged after anesthesia wears off completely and the Blood Pressure, breathing and pulse are stable. The doctor will give you home care tips for the foot in the first few weeks to accelerate bunion surgery recovery. You might be discharged wearing a cast or special surgical shoeto protect the foot.

During the first week after surgery, you should get proper rest and apply ice to relive any pain and swelling. Your doctor can prescribe painkillers for when the pain gets unbearable. You shouldn’t bathe or swim during this time as getting the dressing wet could increase your chances of infection. At the end of the first week, you should go back to your doctor for check up and to have your dressing changed.

During the second week, you should start trying to move around with support. Make sure not to strain or put too much pressure on your foot. You can now start taking baths. By the end of this week or the 3rd, you can stop using crutches and have any dressing and stitches removed.

During the fourth week, you can resume driving if you feel comfortable to do an emergency stop. You might need to inform your insurer about your injury.
In the three to six month period, your foot should be starting to get back to normal. You might experience occasional swelling after a long day at work, but it should go down on its own. You can also start wearing normal shoes and exercising. If you are having trouble with your workouts, seek the help of a physiotherapist. You should also be able to play some impact sports by the end of the sixth month under the advice of your doctor.

By the end of one year, you foot should have healed fully.

Tips on Bunion Surgery Recovery

Keep your dressing dry

At no point should the dressing come into contact with water as this will interfere with the recovery. If you need to take a shower, place a plastic bag over your foot as protection.

Avoid self-medication

Medications such as aspirin could increase the chances of bleeding after surgery. Only take medication recommended by your doctor.

Wear the right shoes

After having your dressing removed, you can now wear normal shoes. However, you should only wear soft leather oxfords or athletic shoes for the first few months as the recovery process is not complete. Avoid any fashion shoes such as high heels during the first six months.

Exercise

You doctor might recommend some exercise or physical therapy to help with bunion surgery recovery. This will restore the strength and the range of motion in your foot. You might be required to exercise using a surgical band to help strengthen your ankle or use marbles to help restore motion in your toes. Do not over exert yourself during your workouts. Start slow and follow the guidance of your physical therapist or doctor.

Pace yourself based on the type of surgery you had

Some bunion surgeries allow you to walk in a bunion shoe immediately after the procedure. Others might require you to walk with crutches. The larger the bunion, the longer you will have to wait before exerting any weight on the leg. If the bone work is close to your big toe joint, then you might be allowed to walk after surgery. This is the case for mild to moderate bunions. When the bone work is far away from the big toe joint, a cast and crutches might be needed. This is recommended for moderate to large bunions. Your surgeon should have the last word on how you pace yourself during bunion surgery recovery.

Signs to Watch Out for During Recovery
If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

Chills

Fever

The area around the dressing feeling warm and appearing red

Increased or persistent pain in the area around the surgical site

Dressing gets wet and falls off

Dressing becomes bloody

Swollen calf above the foot that was operated on

Bunion Surgery Recovery: Others’ Experiences

I’m a very active person and run a lot. I used to feel pain after running due to my bunions. On consulting my doctor, he recommended that I have the bunions removed to prevent pain in the future. I went through surgery 2 weeks ago. The experience hasn’t been that bad apart from the fact that I cannot exercise the way I used to. I experienced a bit of pain for the first 2 or 3 days, but now it has subsided.

I’m in my 60’s and I went through minimally invasive bunion surgery at an orthopedic center with great results. I only experienced slight pain after the anesthesia wore off. No cast was needed after my surgery, only thick bandages. I had to wear non-weight bearing shoe and use crutches for walking for 2 weeks.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Bunion Surgery Recovery Time

Bunion Surgery Recovery Time

Bunion surgery is done to relieve pain and restore normal alignment of the joint. It typically involves an incision at the top or side of the big toe joint, and the removal or realignment of soft tissue and bone. Depending on the procedures performed, the length of recovery may vary among patients. Your foot and ankle surgeon will provide detailed information on post-surgery recovery. In some cases, there is a risk of bunion recurrence. By following the doctor's instructions to wear arch supports or orthotics in their shoes, patients can assist in preventing recurrence.

Bunion Surgery Recovery Time
In most cases, the post-surgery recovery period takes from 6 weeks to 6 months. This depends on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected, as well as your health condition. It may take as long as 1 year for a patient to completely heal. It takes 6 weeks or more for bone healing after osteotomy or bone cut. Those who smoke or are in poor medical health may have a longer healing period. A detailed timeline can be found below. You can see what to expect at a particular time after bunion surgery.

Week One

Take complete rest and keep your foot elevated as much as possible.

Apply ice on the affected area to relieve the swelling and pain.

Regularly take your prescribed painkillers, beginning before the anesthetic wears off.

Avoid activities like swimming or even bathing, as the risk of tissue loss and infection increases if your dressing becomes wet. In addition, you may slip or fall while taking a bath, increasing your risk of displacing and even breaking the bones in your foot.

End of week one: You will have a post-surgery check-up and get your dressing changed. You may be required to have an X-ray in case pins, screws or plates have been used.

Week Two

You should attempt to move around with the assistance of stick or crutches. Stop in case you find it painful.

Your foot should remain elevated for as long as possible while sitting.

If you continue to require painkillers, you may be overdoing physical activity.

You can start bathing and swimming again.

End of week two: The stiches are removed. In case you’ve had stitches under your foot, it will have to wait till the end of the third week. You can begin walking around more, but only cover short distances. You may no longer require the assistance of crutches.

Week Four

You can start driving again if it is possible for you to do an emergency stop without experiencing any discomfort.

Walking cast, splints, special shoes, or wooden shoes are sometimes used for assistance. In some cases, regular shoes can be worn in about 4 to 5 weeks. But some procedures may require wearing special shoes for about 8 weeks or longer post-surgery.

Week Six

Your foot should begin to return back to normal as the swelling subsides but there might still be some left.

You can usually go back to work if your job doesn't involve standing or walking for prolonged periods of time. You should seek your surgeon's advice on this.

You may have to go for a check-up, and have any casts or external wires removed.

In case you are facing difficulty in performing your exercises, you will have to be reviewed by your doctor who may refer you to a physiotherapist for further assistance.

For certain procedures, no weight can be put on the foot for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. You will be eased into putting weight on your foot in a few more weeks of partial weight bearing, with the foot in a special shoe or boot. This helps to keep the bones and soft tissues steady as they heal.

Three to Six Months

Usually three months after the surgery, you’ll have another check-up.

Your bones should be healed and you should be relieved of the pain.

Your swelling will have subsided but slight swelling may continue for around a year after surgery.

You should be able to feel the benefits of undergoing surgery by now and be physically fit to play sports again, provided that you receive your surgeon's approval.

Note
During the bunion surgery recovery time, remember to notify your doctor in case any of the following occur:

Fever

Bleeding or other drainage from the incision site

Swelling in lower leg of the affected foot

Increase in pain around the incision site

How to Promote Healing After Bunion Surgery
Following your doctor's instructions in the first few weeks are essential for the success of your surgery. You will have to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor for several months to ensure proper healing of your foot.

1. Dressing Care
When discharged from the hospital, your foot will be in bandages, supporting your toe in its corrected position. Keeping your toe in this position is essential to healing, so make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions about dressing. Don't change or disturb your dressing without consulting with your doctor. Interference with the healing process can result in recurrence of the bunion. The stiches are normally removed 2 weeks after surgery but the dressing is required to support your foot for the next 6 to 12 weeks.

2. Medications
The most effective pain medications to ease post-surgical discomfort during bunion surgery recovery time are opioids. They are however addictive and must be used only as directed by your doctor. Discontinue opioids as soon as you feel improvement in your pain. Consult your doctor in case your pain has not improved within a few days after surgery. In addition to the painkillers, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent your wound from infections post-surgery.

3. Relieving Swelling
It is common for you to have swelling in your foot from 6 months up to a year after surgery. You can apply ice to relieve swelling, never apply it directly on your skin.

4. Bearing Weight
Depending upon the type of procedure, your doctor will give you strict instructions about putting weight on your foot. If you put weight on your foot too early or without proper support, the bones can shift and the bunion correction will be lost. You may be allowed to walk on your foot right after surgery, but you will have to wear a special surgical shoe to protect the bunion correction.

In some cases, a period of no-weight bearing is important to ensure bone healing. Crutches and a newer alternative called a knee walker are usually used to avoid putting any weight on the foot. A knee walker has four wheels and functions like a scooter. You place the knee of your affected foot on a padded cushion and push yourself along using your healthy foot.

5. Physical Therapy
Your doctor will recommend specific exercises to help restore your foot's strength and range of motion after surgery. Exercises using a surgical band help to strengthen your ankle. Some exercises using marbles help restore motion in your toes. You can find some exercises to increase range of motion after bunion surgery below.

6. Shoe Wear
After the initial rehabilitation period, your doctor will advise you on shoe wear. To protect the bunion correction until the bones have completely healed, athletic shoes or soft leather oxford type shoes are the best. Avoid wearing fashion shoes until your doctor allows during bunion surgery recovery time. Your doctor may even recommend that you never return to wearing high-heeled shoes.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Bunion

Bunion

Bunion is the hump in the bone found on the base of big toe. Hallux valgus is the medical term for bunion. It is marked by the deviation of big toe that would push outward putting pressure on the metatarsal bone thereby forming a bunion. The bone that is located just behind the big toe gets affected making it difficult to walk. When this condition occurs on the little toe it is known as bunionette.

When there is hump on the bone the body weight will be put on the bunion in every step causing intense pain. It may cause Calluses when the shoes will also exert pressure thereby aggravating the pain.

Causes :

• Bunions are formed during adulthood and become intense as time passes since the foot spreads when a person grows old.

• Bunions are caused due to hereditary factor since it is passed to the next generation. It is found to run on families.

• Structural abnormality in foot may also cause bunion. Increased arthritis problem can also trigger formation of bunion in the big toe.

• People who wear tight fitting shoes and high-heeled shoes are more prone to get bunion than others. The repeated pressure exerted by the shoes may push the bones of the foot causing irregular shape.

Symptoms :

It is marked by the presence of bony bump on the foot seen on the big toe. Some people may experience hardness in the skin or formation of calluses. There may be swelling and tenderness of the affected area of the skin and moderate pain on the big toe. The area feels warm to touch and becomes shiny.

Diagnoses :

The doctor will obviously listen to the symptoms of pain and bony bump and examine the shape of the big toe. If needed, X-ray will be taken for assessing the intensity of deformity.

Treatment :

For mild pain and discomfort it is enough it you use heating pad and warm compression on the big toe for getting relief. You can also take over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen for relieving pain.

In early stages of detection, bunion can be easily cured by wearing well fitting shoes. It would be wise if you wear splints or bunion pads for making good the inflammation. By using shoe insert, one can easily avoid the pressure exerted by the shoes on the foot. Some doctors prescribe special kind of shoes that take out the pressure from the joints so that the foot will regain its normal shape.

Surgery is not the best option and it is done only if other methods of treatment become futile. Some types of bunions are severe and highly painful but the surgical process has great risk.

Bunionectomy is the name of the surgery that is done in a clinic. The patient will be given local anesthesia for numbing the affected part of general anesthesia depending on the intensity of the disease.

The surgeon will realign the bone after cutting down the ligaments from the big toe. In severe cases, the bone is cut down by osteotomy in which excess of bone may be removed.

For some people, bunions may recur if the surgery is not done perfectly and for some it may be overcorrected. In such cases, the person will have continuous pain and it would also restrict the movements of big toe.

Pictures of Bunion :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Bunion

Prevention :

You can prevent bunions from occurring by taking care of your feet from childhood and more particular in adulthood. People with family history of illness need to be more careful than others. Always wear right fitting shoes that do not exert pressure on the toes. Do not indulge in cramping or pinching the toes.

Women who are wearing high heeled shoes are prone to get bunion and other bone deformity in the foot.

Bunion – Surgery, Treatment, Recovery Time, Pictures, Causes, Removal

What is a Bunion?

It is an atypical, bony bump which develops at the base on the joint of the big toe. This joint becomes distended, which forces the toe to push into the other toes. This pushing places pressure on the big toe joint, assertively forcing it outward beyond the standard outline of the foot, and causes pain.

Bunions may develop for numerous reasons with a common reason being wearing shoes which are too tight. The bunions also develop because of a genetic structural flaw, stress on the foot or some medical problems for example arthritis.

Frequently, the treatment for bunions involves steps which are very conservative, such as changing shoes, wearing inserts inside the shoes, or padding the bunion. Cases of severe bunions may need surgery.

Bunion Symptoms

Bunions may not create any symptoms. But if you do have any symptoms, they can include:

A protruding bump on the outside of the base of the large toe

Swelling, soreness or redness around the big toe joint

Skin at the base of the big toe which thickens

Irritation over the bunion

Where the 1st and 2nd toes overlap there may develop Calluses or corns

Intermittent or persistent pain

Big toe has restricted movement

The pain of a bunion may range from very mild to quite severe, and can often make it hard to walk in normal shoes. The deeper tissue and the skin around the bunion can become inflamed and swollen.

The other toes may be affected by a bunion due to pressure from the big toe pushing inwardly towards them. The toenails can begin to grow into the side of the nail bed. The smaller toes also may develop bent over or claw-like which is known as hammertoes.

Bunions as well as their symptoms grow gradually. They are often confused with the symptoms of Gout, but the pain of gout normally comes on suddenly and may be more severe than the pain of bunions. The pain of gout and its swelling tends to occur in stages, while the pain of bunions is much more constant. Different from a bunion, gout normally does not cause deformity of the joint.

Bunions often do not require any medical treatment but an individual should see their physician or a physician specializing in the management of disorders of the feet, if they have any of the following:

A visible bump on the big toe joint

Stubborn big toe or foot pain

Movement which is decreased in the big toe or foot

Difficulty in finding shoes which fit properly

Bunion Causes

Bunions normally develop when the balance of exerted forces on the joints as well as the tendons of the feet are interrupted. This may lead to some unsteadiness in the joint of the big toe and this causes a deformity. Bunions grow over time because of the atypical pressure or motion on the joint of the big toe. Bunions as well can develop on the joint of the little toe which is known as a bunionette.

Causes of bunions include:

Inherited foot type

Ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes

Congenital deformities

Foot injuries

Bunions can also be linked with a number of types of arthritis, including degenerative as well as inflammatory forms, causing the cartilage which is protective and covers the big toe joint to deteriorate. Any occupation which puts any excessive stress on the feet or which causes the individual to wear pointed shoes can also be a cause. For instance, cowboys as well as dancers are very prone to the developing of bunions.
Other facts which lead to a bunion include:

Ligaments in the foot which are loose

Prior foot injury

Amputation or removal of the second toe – this makes it easier for the big toe to drift towards the other toes.

There are factors which can increase the risk of bunions:

High heels – which forces the toes into the front of the shoes and crowds the toes

Being female – Women are much more likely to get bunions.

Have atypical rolling inwards of the foot when walking

Have Rheumatoid Arthritis which causes deformity and swelling around the big toe joint

Having a hobby or job which places considerable stress on the feet

Have low arches or flatfeet

Ill-fitting shoes – which are often too tight, too narrow or too pointed causing susceptibility to bunions.

Heredity – genetic structural foot defect which has the tendency to cause bunions to develop

Arthritis – because of the pain it can change the way one walks and causes susceptibility to bunions

Bunions may occur at any time and they do not always cause problems. They are permanent unless there is surgery to correct the defect. If the bursa or cushioning sac of fluid over the joints which are affected become inflamed (known as Bursitis), the bunion can become extremely painful and can interfere with usual activities. Bunions can also be more painful and larger which makes nonsurgical treatment less effective.

You're reading Bunion – Surgery, Treatment, Recovery Time, Pictures, Causes, Removal posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

Bunion Treatment

The options for treatment will depend on the severity of bunion as well as the amount of pain it can cause. Treatment which is early is best to decreasing any risk of joint deformities developing.

Conservative treatments are nonsurgical options which can relive the pain as well as the pressure of a bunion and they include:

Shoes changing
Wear shoes which are comfortable, roomy and have sufficient space for the toes.

Taping and padding
By taping or padding the feet in a typical position the stress on the bunion can be reduced and this also alleviates the pain.

Medications
For control of pain of bunions, it is suggested that individuals use acetaminophen (Tylenol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). All of these relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Cortisone injections can also be useful.

Shoe inserts
Orthotics or padded shoe inserts may help with any control of abnormal movements of the feet, reducing symptoms and stopping bunions from getting worse. Arch supports which are over-the-counter, can offer relief for some individuals, while other individuals may require orthotics which are prescriptions written by physicians.

Surgical options can be used if conservative options do not offer symptom relief. There are numerous surgical procedures which can be performed for bunions and no specific surgery is indicated as best for every problem. The picking the best procedure to ensure correction with no recurrence, it is important to know what is causing the bunion for any specific individual. Most of the surgical procedures include a bunionectomy that involves:

Removing the tissue which is swollen from around the joint of the big toe

Realignment of the metatarsal bone in order to reduce angular deformity

Straightening the big toe by removing parts of the bone

Joining the bones of the affected joint permanently

After surgery it is possible to walk on the foot immediately after some bunion procedures but not with others. Others may require full recovery which can take up to 8 weeks or longer. Proper shoes need to be worn after recovery in order to prevent a recurrence.

Surgery is not recommended unless the bunion causes repeated pain or restricts daily activities. A bunionectomy – just the same as other types of surgery – is not without its risk. In addition, there may still be pain or a new bunion may develop in the big toe joint after surgery. It is important to consider conservative treatment prior to having a bunionectomy.

Surgery is not a recommendation if an individual: