Is Bunionectomy Surgery Right For You? Heres What You Need To Know

Bunions are a very common foot condition that affects many people all across the country, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty with walking, to mention just a few issues. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend bunionectomy surgery to help you out. This procedure involves removing the bony bump and realigning the bones in your foot. This article will explore whether bunionectomy surgery is right for you and what you need to know about the procedure. As always, make sure you talk to a doctor in person before making any final decisions, as they will know the specific details of your case.

What Exactly Is A Bunion?

A bunion is a semi-common deformity of the foot, which affects the joint at the base of the big toe. The condition is caused by a misalignment of the bones in the foot, which causes the joint to protrude outward. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing. It can look as though your big toe has a growth coming out the side, near its base, and many people have them for years before they visit a doctor to get them fixed, which can lead to the condition becoming more and more painful.

When Is Bunionectomy Surgery Needed?

Bunionectomy surgery is typically recommended when more conservative treatments, such as padding, shoe modifications, and physical therapy, have failed to provide relief. Surgery may also be necessary if the bunion is severe or interfering with daily activities. A lot of people have minor bunions that do not seriously impact their life, and for some older Americans, the negatives of surgery outweigh the positives in some cases. However, if you are younger, in good health, or have particularly bad bunions, then bunionectomy surgery will be your preferred course of treatment as it solves the issue more permanently. 

What Is The Recovery Process Like

The recovery process for bunionectomy surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Traditional bunionectomy surgery typically requires several weeks of immobilization and the use of crutches. Minimally invasive surgery and laser surgery may require less downtime. Most people are able to return to normal activities within a few months of the procedure. However, what does your quality of life look like without bunionectomy surgery? While the recovery process might be longer than some surgeries (simply because it affects your ability to walk until it is fully healed), not getting the surgery done will result in the pain getting worse and worse until it is so excruciating you might not be able to walk at all. 

For more information, contact a local company, like MD Surgical Center.