What Is Bunion Surgery?

Bunion surgery is a surgical procedure to treat a bunion, a deformity that causes a bump on the inner side of your foot. Ankle pain is a common problem among people of all ages, particularly women. They can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for patients to wear comfortable shoes.

There are many ways to treat an ankle Pain, but if conservative measures fail, a surgery is often necessary. Most commonly, the surgeon performs a bunionectomy.

When a bunion develops, the metatarsal bone leans outward toward the big toe, creating a bump on the inner side of the foot. In most cases, this is a result of a joint that is unstable and has been overloaded by excessive weight.

In most cases, anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate the symptoms of a bunion and decrease swelling. However, these medicines do not correct the root of the problem, which is a misalignment in the bones.

A local podiatrist will help remove the enlarged portion of the metatarsal bone and realigns the joint. The surgery may also include the insertion of wires, screws or plates to stabilize the joint. The surgeon can also make other adjustments to the joint, such as repositioning tendons and ligaments.

The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will be able to go home the same day. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight at a hospital.

Anesthesia is used during the procedure. The doctor may numb your foot with a local anesthetic or inject medicine that relaxes you, known as spinal anesthesia.

During the operation, the surgeon will create small incisions (about 3mm long) on the outer surface of your foot near the bunion. He will then use a high-speed instrument, similar to a burr, to make tiny cuts in the bone involved with the bunion deformity.

Once the cuts are made, the bone will be moved into place and the tissue around it will be tightened up. This helps the soft tissues to reposition and reshape, straightening the big toe and decreasing pain.

Other techniques that can be used in a bunionectomy include repositioning of the tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint and removing the enlarged portion of the bone. If the bunion is severe, a joint fusion may be required.

The type of procedure a doctor chooses depends on the size and severity of the bunion and the goals of the patient. There are more than one hundred different types of bunion surgeries, each designed to resolve a different structural change caused by the bunion.

Bone-cutting procedures are most effective for mild to moderate bunion deformities. These procedures create a surgical 'break' in the deviated metatarsal bone, medically called an osteotomy. These cuts can be shaped to treat a wide range of bunions, from mild to severe. Visit this site: https://ankleandfootcenters.com/bunion-surgery/ for more info on where to get the best bunion surgeon.

Alternatively, a surgeon can also cut through the bone and realign the entire metatarsal with a specialized technique called a bone-mending bunionectomy. These surgeries fix the big toe joint so that it is stable and eliminates the bunion bump. Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podiatry.