Pros and Cons of Bunion Surgery
Before undergoing this procedure, it is important that you understand its pros and cons. While being a relatively straightforward process, its complications may lead to life-threatening consequences. Bunions affect up to 25% of adults within the ages of 18 and 65 and 36% of individuals aged over 65. This is exactly why this is the most prevalent foot ailment globally.
What are Bunions?
Bunions may be referred to as body formations forming at the base of your big toe. Their formation may be a consequence of age, arthritis, genetics, or very tightly-fitted shoes. The symptoms of Bunion comprise abnormal angles of the big toe, palpable or visible bony protrusions, pain in the big toe joint, and calloused/red skin on the edge of the big toe.
Pros
Since it is quick procedure, it doesn’t require you to stay overnight at the hospital. However, it is recommended that you undergo this procedure sooner rather than later. If you delay it, your joint may become arthritic and may entail replacement or fusion.
When taking the pros and cons of this surgery into perspective, a large number of people perceives pain relief as its fundamental benefit. This particular thought cannot be denied since Bunion surgery is indeed quite effective. Additionally, once the recovery period attains completion, individuals may reengage in activities. This significantly influences the overall health and quality of life of a person.
Cons
The time duration of recovery may be quite lengthy. Depending on what kind of bunionectomy you undergo, your physician may instruct you to be up to six weeks of non-weight bearing on the side you had surgery or walk in a CAM-Walker.
Swelling is another con that people undergoing Bunion surgery often face. However, in majority of the cases, swelling may be brought under control through medication and compression. As the foot starts healing and patient start walking, this swelling decreases gradually.
Besides these drawbacks, the fact that the daily lifestyle of the individuals post-surgery attains disruption is another point of concern. Patients recovering from bunion surgery can’t jump, run, or perform activities that may strain the foot. After surgery, usually the full recovery period to be back to full activity may be up to 3-4 months.
Lastly, it is not a surgery that fixes everything. There is no doubt that bunions may resurface, especially if you undergo wrong bunionectomy procedure for the type of bunion that you have. I
Make a big difference with the right pair of shoes
You should only choose those shoes that aligns with the shape of your foot. If your shoes don’t have soft sole or wide toe box and you suffer from bunions, you need to replace them. You should totally avoid shoes with sharp points and high heels since this aids the formation and worsening of bunions.
If you already see the bunions forming, immediately start cushioning the area to safeguard it. You can accomplish this through specially designed custom orthotics.
If you’re looking for a Bunion surgery or custom orthotics in Upland, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, or Ontario, we would be happy to discuss these pros and cons with you in person. We invite you to reach us through our website, phone or stop by our Empire Foot and Ankle Center in Upland or Chino to speak with our associates. Our doctors at Empire Foot and Ankle Center are well trained to perform any kind of bunion surgeries.