What are Foot Bunions?
A bunion is a bony lump on the side of the foot at the base of
the big toe, sometimes the big toe points in towards the other
toes. The most common cause of bunions is wearing shoes that
do not have enough width to fit the toes in their natural position.
They are occasionally associated with arthritis of the joint at the
base of the big toe.
After the operation, your big toe should be straighter, so your
foot should fit more comfortably in a normal shoe.
What does this involve?
Bunion removal is usually done under general anaesthesia as a
day case although sometimes a one or two night stay in hospital is
required. The procedure normally takes around 60 minutes.
Your surgeon will make an incision in the top or side of the big
toe joint and remove a small piece of bone and re-align the toe.
The joint may be stabilised using screws or tiny wires to keep it
in place.
At the end of the operation, the incision will be closed with
stitches and your foot will be bandaged or placed in a plaster
cast.
There are other alternatives to bunion removal which
include:
- Releasing tight ligaments and tightening stretched
ligaments
- Cutting and realigning the bones of your big toe
- Stiffening a joint
- Straightening one or more of your smaller toes
Your surgeon will discuss these with you.
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When will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after and
for the first week, you will have a plaster cast or a thick padded
bandage on your foot. You should keep your leg raised up so
that the swelling settles. Your surgeon will advise you how
much weight you can put on your foot. Your physiotherapist
will help you to walk safely which may involve using crutches or a
walking frame. It can take six weeks or longer before the
swelling has gone down enough for you to wear a normal soft
shoe.
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What risks should I know about?
Foot bunion removal is a commonly performed and generally safe
operation, however, all surgery carries an element of risk and the
following complications can occur.
- Damage to nerves leading to a patch of numb skin near the cut.
This normally settles on its own but may be permanent.
- Problems with bone healing which can occure if the operation
includes cutting the bone to relign the toe. This may need further
surgery.
- Loss of movement in the big toe caused by arthritis or scarring
from the surgery. This oftens improves with time but there
may be some permanent stiffness.
- Pain in the ball of the foot when standing or walking which can
be helped by an insole in your shoe.
- Your tendons in your big toe can be damaged and you may find
your toe is numb in places due to some nerve damage.
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Circle care
Foot bunion surgery is carried out by our specialist surgeons
who have the expertise to get the best possible results. You
can be sure of state of the art facilities and the best possible
care to get you back to normal as soon as possible.
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