There are several different types of issues that can arise over time related to the feet, including bunions.
Bunions occur when the bone and tissue of the big toe starts to turn outward at the base of the toe, causing a bump. This happens because, usually, the shoes that are being worn are too small making this a primarily female issue.
However, with proper care and preventative measures, like wearing proper shoes, bunions are not painful and do not require surgical intervention. However, if left untreated and if one continues to wear the wrong size shoes, the bunions will get worse over time and may lead to discomfort.
In some cases bunions are severe, which can be attributed to heredity. If the big toe begins to overlap the smaller toes, or if shoes become extremely difficult to wear because of the protrusion, then surgery is appropriate to correct the deformity.
There are many different types of bunion surgery which makes this choice personal to your needs. The bone may be partially removed, the toe joint fused, an artificial joint implanted or many others. Typically, though, bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure allowing you to return home later that day.
Recovery time after bunion surgery varies and can last up to six months. Depending on the severity, recovery could last a year. Often, special types of shoes are worn to protect the still-healing bunion, and how much weight the foot can bear should be considered. Keep the foot elevated to prevent swelling and discuss with your doctor whether or not physical therapy is needed to restore strength and range of motion.
