Why Bunion Surgery Is Not Effective for Some Patients

Are you in need of bunion surgery in Sugar Land? If so, then read on to learn about the reasons why this option might not be effective for every patient.

Bunionectomies Do Not Work for Everyone.

When conservative treatments fail to resolve a patient’s bunion, then foot specialists frequently recommend a bunionectomy. In this type of surgery, only the bony prominence is removed. This simple, surgical bunion treatment can work well for some patients, but may not be effective for individuals who have severe bunions.

Bunion Surgery Isn’t Always a Permanent Solution.

For some patients, surgery is not effective long-term because of a recurrence of the bunion. Although your foot surgeon may be able to effectively treat your current bunion and the symptoms that it causes through surgery, this does not guarantee that the bunion will not reform. If you choose to continue wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes after your treatment, then the recurrence of the bunion becomes more likely.

Bunion Surgery Doesn’t Meet Everyone’s Expectations.

Some patients decide to undergo bunion surgery because they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their feet. While bunion surgery is likely to improve the aesthetics of your foot, it may not completely restore its original appearance. Also, some patients are unhappy with the reduced flexibility in their big toe joint that can occur. Before undergoing bunion surgery, it’s essential to discuss your expectations with your doctor and to gain a good understanding of your probable outcomes.

Bunion Surgery Is Not Always Successful.

As with any other surgery, it’s possible for bunion surgery to fail, and there are a number of complications associated with bunion surgery of which every patient should be aware. Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment. Speak with your doctor to gain a full understanding of the possible complications associated with bunion surgery.