A Patient’s Guide to Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery in Sugar Land is often the most effective solution for alleviating bunion pain and dysfunction. Bunions are bone protrusions, so noninvasive treatment may only temporarily ease foot discomfort without actually addressing your foot health. Especially if your bunions are interfering with your ability to walk without pain, your foot doctor may decide that surgery is the best form of bunion treatment for your needs.

Before Your Treatment

Prior to undergoing surgery, your foot and ankle specialist may perform a comprehensive examination of your foot to determine the severity of your condition. The extent of your bunion problems can largely determine the type of bunion surgery you should have. Advanced bunions may demand the realignment of the joints in the foot and toe. This procedure often entails movement of the structures that make up and surround the joint, including bone, muscle, and connective tissue. Less severe bunions may require only the removal of excess bone. Patient’s Guide to Bunion Surgery in Sugar Land

During Surgery

For your comfort, your foot doctor can numb the surgical site. He can also provide medication to relax you during your procedure. The nature of your treatment typically determines the length of your surgery. Yet even the most complex cases are normally done as outpatient procedures so that you can return home the day of your surgery. Once your surgery is complete, your podiatrist may observe your initial recovery before determining that you can leave his office.

After Your Procedure

Your approach to your foot recovery can largely impact the success of your surgery. To facilitate the healing process, heed all postoperative recommendations from your podiatrist. If he wants you to stay off your treated foot, you may need to get assistance from friends and family so that you can prevent putting pressure on it. Even minor surgical procedures come with some risk of infection, so maintaining the cleanliness of your foot is likewise important. Change your surgical dressings as necessary and avoid activities that may compromise the integrity of your stitches. Keeping up with all postoperative appointments is key as well so that your foot doctor can supervise the progression of your recovery.