Earlier this month, we explored the signs and symptoms of bunions. Today, we’ll dive into the treatment options for dealing with bunions, and we’ll look at the rehabilitation process.
Non-surgical treatment
We touched on some non-surgical treatment options for alleviating the pain caused by bunions in our previous post, but we’ll quickly rehash the non-surgical options.
As is the case with almost any ailment, prevention is key to stopping the development of bunions. Bunions occur in three main ways; ill-fitting shoes, injuries, and genetics. You can’t do anything to alter your genetic makeup, but wearing protective and proper fitting shoes can help avoid symptom development.
Non-surgical treatment options for bunions are the same whether the bunion is at an early or advanced stage. A foot specialist will likely prescribe an over-the-counter or custom orthotic insert to alleviate pressure and properly position the foot. Another common treatment option includes refraining from wearing any restrictive shoes. High heels or pointed-toe shoes can exacerbate the problem, so a doctor will recommend wearing comfortable sneakers or sandals that don’t put pressure on the sides of your feet. Your doctor may also prescribe certain anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain.
Surgical treatment
If your bunion is at the stage where pain becomes overbearing or it alters your gait, your doctor may recommend corrective surgery.
Surgical treatment of a bunion involves cutting the bones and re-positioning the big toe. Many patients want to have their bunion removed, but simply re-aligning the toe will naturally shift the bones back to their original state. Removing the bunion actually has a higher rate of failure than re-alignment, which is why doctors prefer to reposition the joint.
In order to address the bunion, a foot specialist will place a tourniquet around your calf and administer regional anesthesia. The doctor will then make an incision along the inside of your foot. Once the bunion is exposed, your doctor will rebalance the ligaments in the area and cut the bone as needed. The joint will be secured in its proper position with screws, wires, or plates. Any other issues will also be addressed at this point. When finished, the doctor will close the wound with stitches.
Recovering from bunion surgery
Below is a basic timetable for what a person can expect when recovering from bunion surgery:
First 3 days – You’ll want to keep your foot elevated as much as possible in the first 72 hours after bunion surgery. Avoid putting any weight on your foot.
3-5 days – Strong narcotics will be used to numb the pain. Regularly change the dressing to keep the wound clean and dry.
2 weeks – If you need to get around, walk on the heel and the outside of your foot as much as possible. Your stitches are usually removed after two weeks, assuming there are no setbacks. After two weeks, begin weight bearing as long as the pain is tolerable.
6 weeks – Your doctor will request that you come in for a checkup at six weeks post-op. An X-ray will be taken to ensure the foot is healing properly. If everything appears as it should, your doctor will allow you to return to almost all pre-surgery activities.
8 weeks – Most people can return to labor-intensive jobs eight weeks after the operation.
10-12 weeks – Consult your doctor if you’re still experiencing pain three months after the surgery. You may notice some minor discomfort, but pain should be minimal.
Related source: Livestrong.com
