Bunions can be extremely painful and can make it very difficult for you to walk or stand. The good news is that there have been a variety of treatment options that have proven to be helpful in treating bunions. It changes in footwear and medications have not proven to be helpful, then surgery might be the best option for you. While it is not a quick fix for bunions, it is effective and safe. Before you decide whether or not you want to have bunion surgery performed, there are some things that you should consider.
Bunion Surgery
A bunion is a bump that occurs next to your big toe and becomes painful when you wear shoes that are tight due to the abnormal bone and tissue growth. There are three types of bunion surgery that can be performed:
* Removing parts of the joint that is damaged or the bone in the big toe.
* The stretching of the tendons around the toe.
* Repair of the poorly aligned joint in the big toe.
How to Choose
The only way to know which surgery needs to be performed is to discuss it with your podiatrist or foot surgeon. It will depend on just how severe the bunion actually is. Your foot surgeon will have to perform a thorough examination of the bunion to see just how deformed your toe actually is. Bunion surgery is generally an elective surgery, but there are cases that are more severe.
If you are unable to walk or perform your normal daily activities, cannot wear shoes without pain, have a consistent swelling, or cannot bend or straighten out your big toe, then it may be necessary to discuss the possibility of surgery with your doctor. If you have tried taking prescription pain medications with no relief, this is also a sign you may need surgery.
The Risks
There are some risks involved with bunion surgery that include:
* The bunion could come back.
* The wound will not heal as it should.
* There will be a large scar
* You could experience nerve damage.
* Your toe could become stiff.
In order to know for sure what the benefits and risks are with this surgery you will need to discuss it with your foot surgeon. If you are looking for a qualified foot surgeon in Chicago there are many of them to choose from. They can then determine what the proper course of action will be.
If you think you may need surgery on your foot and need a foot surgeon in Chicago, Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare has the solution for you. Visit their website to learn more.