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Can Bunions be corrected without
Surgery?
There is no evidence in the medical literature to support the use of
splints or foot supports to correct BUNIONS. Children with BUNIONS may
experience a reduction in pain following the use of night splints;
however the deformity will still progress and enlarge.
Patients may simply wear wider shoes to accommodate the painful
BUNION. If changing the footwear is not acceptable then the patient
may elect to have corrective surgery.
Surgery
Before embarking on the bunion
surgery route, you should consider the following:
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How much pain is the bunion
causing?
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Are you prepared to rest after the
operation in order to obtain the best results and a speedy recovery?
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Can you have time off work to
recover?
The surgical correction is now very
successful when performed by a surgeon who specialises in foot
surgery. The operation can be performed using a LOCAL ANAESTHETIC (you
will be awake) and is now a DAYCASE procedure (you will go home on the
day of the operation).
Common Questions and Answers
Will I be in plaster after my
operation?
NO. It is not normally
necessary to have your foot in plaster after a bunion operation. Most
BUNIONS are now treated by a Metatarsal Osteotomy, with tiny screws
used to hold the bones in the corrected position. The use of screws
inside the foot and the design of the operation used means that a
plaster cast will not be necessary. Your foot will be wrapped in a
bulky dressing and you will be given a special shoe to wear until your
foot is healed.
Will I have stitches in my foot?
YES. It is common practice to
use absorbable stitches to close the incision. These stitches do not
need to be removed as they are absorbable.
Will my big toe be stiff after the operation?
NO. It is not necessary to
fuse (stiffen) the big toe joint to correct the bunion.
Can I walk on my foot after the operation?
YES. You will walk into the hospital and walk out weight
bearing on your heel. However, it is important that your rest for the
first two weeks after your operation, and only take weight through
your foot when necessary. REST AND ELEVATION OF THE FOOT IS ESSENTIAL.
How long will I be off work?
Most patients return to work at four to six weeks after the operation.
When can I drive?
You can normally drive after three weeks. |
