Bunions are deformities that affect the toes. They are associated with a medical condition known as hallux valgus. This condition is characterized by an abnormally outwardly turned big toe. The bones of the big toe are subsequently oriented in an abnormal direction and subjected to excessive pressure when one puts on shoes. Treatment of this condition is mainly through conservative measures. If these measures fail then surgical correction is indicated. When planning to have bunion surgery San Francisco residents should ensure that they consult widely.

The main causative factor for the condition is improper shoes. Poorly fitting shoes that are usually too narrow tend to force toes into unnatural positions. Research also indicates that a significant number of cases are hereditary. In terms of prevalence, women are more frequently affected than their male counterparts. This is mainly attributable to their shoe designs.

If allowed to progress, these lesions become very painful and cause significant deformity. This is often the cause for those that are caused by arthritis. One of the non-surgical measures that can be undertaken is to change shoes to those that are properly fitting. The shoes that are chosen should conform to the shape of feet to avoid exerting excess pressure on prominent bony areas.

The good news is that most people respond with proper treatment. A great majority of those who undergo surgery recover almost completely. This particular area falls under the specialties of orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of the corrective procedures is to relieve pain, to realign the affected joints and to correct any other deformities. The choice of specific procedure to be performed is dependent on a number of factors that include level of activity, severity, age and general health status.

Physicians usually refer individuals to an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation. The evaluation has three main components. X-rays are done to find out the extent of the effects of the bunions on the joints. A medical examinations aims to reveal conditions that affect the effectiveness of this treatment. A physical examination is done to identify foot deformities, misalignment and the degree of soft tissue damage.

Many hospitals and surgical centers consider this procedure to be an outpatient case. Patients are required to report a few hours before the appointed time. The first stage involves a complete evaluation by a member of the anesthesia team. It requires a local anesthesia although a general anesthesia may be used in selected cases. The procedure lasts for one hour and patients are allowed to go home after getting enough rest.

The recovery period varies depending on the bone affected and the amount of soft tissue involved. The usual time required for recovery is between 6 and 24 weeks. Complete recovery may take up to one year. When taking a bath or showering, one must ensure that the foot is covered properly so that the stitches are kept dry. Walking casts, wooden shoes and splints are sometimes used. It is important to avoid putting too much weight on the foot.

There are a number of complications of bunion surgery San Francisco residents should anticipate if planning to undergo the procedure. Commonly encountered complications include infections, persistent pain, swelling, nerve damage and degenerative joint disease. It is important to discuss the possibility of experiencing these problems with the attending surgeon.