Bunions are a common and painful foot condition. If you have a bunion, your podiatrist may recommend bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy. You need to know more about the recovery and results from bunion surgery. Dr. Mathew John at Ankle & Foot Centers in Marietta, GA, provides comprehensive podiatry services, including bunion surgery.

What You Need To Know About Bunions and Bunion Surgery

Bunions can begin as a small, hard bump next to your big toe. For small bunions, non-surgical options are often recommended. These include:

• Applying ice to the bunion several times each day
• Elevating your foot to take pressure off the bunion
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Wearing inserts and cushions in your shoes
• Changing to wider, more supportive shoes
• Custom orthotics to cushion and support the bunion
• Corticosteroid injections around the bunion to reduce swelling

Surgery is often recommended for bunions that are large and are causing:

• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Limits to your ability to stand or walk
• Moderate to severe pain and are affecting your quality of life

There are two main types of bunion surgery, which are:

• Head procedures to realign the big toe joint, allowing you to maintain mobility
• Base procedures to split or modify the bone around the big toe joint, providing increased support and mobility

Recovery from bunion surgery often requires the use of assistive devices such as crutches or a surgical shoe. You may need to limit walking and standing for a short period. Your podiatrist will remove the sutures after about two weeks.

Bunion surgery is an effective way to realign your toe and foot so you can stay mobile and active throughout your life.

Want To Know More About Bunions and Bunion Surgery?

To learn more about what to expect from bunion surgery, including recovery and results, call Dr. John at Ankle & Foot Centers in Marietta, GA. You can reach him in the office by calling (770) 977-3668, so call today.