Do you have to be put to sleep for bunion surgery?

Most bunion surgery is performed under ankle block anesthesia, in which your foot is numb, but you are awake. Occasionally, general or spinal anesthesia is used.

How painful is bunion surgery?

Is bunion surgery painful? No, the surgery itself isn't painful. A local anesthetic will be used to numb your foot so you don't feel pain. You will also be given a sedative to help make you more comfortable.

Can you walk immediately after bunion surgery?

Patients can immediately walk in a walking boot and will stay on for two weeks. Patients will transition to sneakers and sandals but heels will not be worn for another four weeks. In a sense, you can add 2 weeks to every 2 inch heels you would want to wear after you have transitioned into sneakers.

How long does bunion surgery take?

Your surgeon places stitches and bandages on your toe to help the area heal properly. The whole process can take anywhere from 45 min to 3 hours depending on the severity of the bunion and what needs to be performed to correct it.

Is bunion surgery done under local anesthesia?

Bunion surgery is usually done as a day case under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. Alternatively you may prefer to have the surgery under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks the pain in your foot and you will stay awake during the operation.

What To Expect After Bunion Surgery

Do you need a wheelchair after bunion surgery?

Crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair can be used, but MOST patients will not need them. You can place weight on the foot immediately following surgery.

Is bunion surgery risky?

The possible risks and complications of bunion surgery include: Infection. Nerve injury. Failure to relieve pain.

Is bunion surgery worth having?

If a bunion is not painful, surgery is not usually recommended. Bunions often get worse over time, but surgery is not recommended to prevent bunions from worsening, and oftentimes, proper footwear and other preventive care can slow down the progression of a bunion.

How long should I stay off my foot after bunion surgery?

Post-Surgical Self-Care

You should keep your foot dry and stay off your feet for 3 to 5 days after your surgery. You should use a walker, cane, knee scooter or crutches to get around. Follow your doctor's recommendations exactly for any medications you have been given after surgery.

What happens if a bunion is left untreated?

If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage. Bunions may cause the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate. While bunions can be remedied through surgery, arthritis and the possibility of chronic pain are not curable.

Can I take my boot off after bunion surgery?

After your first post-op appointment, you should remove your boot for 1 hour 3 times per day to work on ankle range of motion exercises. These will be explained at your first post-op appointment. You may sleep without your boot once you are 4 weeks from surgery.

Do bunions grow back?

Recurrence after bunion surgery is a possibility, but it is not common. However, when bunions do come back, they reoccur, but they do not regrow. That's because a bunion is not a growth of bone, rather a dislocation of the big toe joint.

How soon can I shower after bunion surgery?

Patients should sit for the first 3-4 weeks after surgery in shower especially if you have balance issues, but if careful you can take shower without boot with pressure to heel only, and when exiting shower immediately apply their boot.

Can I walk 3 weeks after bunion surgery?

About 2-6 weeks of no or extremely limited weight bearing activity. About 6 weeks before you can return to weightbearing activity, including driving your car if you had surgery on your right foot.

How do doctors remove bunions?

The corrective surgery for bunion is known as a metatarsal osteotomy or bunionectomy. There are multiple techniques, but all involve cutting the bones and repositioning them with metal screws to straighten the big toe and reduce the bump on the side of the foot.

Is bunion surgery easier now?

Modern advances in minimally invasive bunion surgery techniques and technology have allowed for tiny incisions, a walking recovery, less postoperative pain, shorter operative time and an overall easier recovery.

How soon after bunion surgery can I drive?

"It is probably not advisable to drive before six weeks after bunion surgery on the right foot -- our research shows that the reflexes and the power required to brake suddenly in an emergency is fully returned only at six weeks in the post-operative period," Dr.

How do people survive bunion surgery?

Basics typically include over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, antibiotics to prevent infection post-surgery, reusable ice packs to keep swelling under control, and a waterproof cast cover (or plastic bags and medical tape) to keep your stitches and dressing dry when you bathe.

Should I wiggle my toes after bunion surgery?

Sleep is more important. o If you had surgery on your toes, don't wiggle them. It's fine to move your ankle back and forth as long as it doesn't hurt. Don't worry about wiggling your toes.

What age should you get bunion surgery?

Due to the nature of the child's foot and the growth plate centers that are present, bunion surgery should be delayed until about the age of twelve. The area of most bunion corrections is away from the primary growth center in the first metatarsal bone.

What is considered a severe bunion?

In severe bunions, the big toe may angle all the way under or over the second toe. Pressure from the big toe may force the second toe out of alignment, causing it to come in contact with the third toe.

Do screws stay in after bunion surgery?

The screw can also remain in the foot for life, and only needs to be removed in very rare cases if it becomes painful or prominent. This can be done in a straightforward outpatient procedure performed long after the bone has healed.

How complicated is bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery remains a technically challenging procedure, and patients have high expectations in terms of deformity correction and functional outcome. Undercorrection, overcorrection, nonunion and malunion remain the most common causes of failed bunion surgery.

How long does the pain last after bunion surgery?

Is the surgery painful? The amount of pain experienced after bunion surgery is different from one person to the next. Most patients will experience discomfort for three to five days. If you closely follow your foot and ankle surgeon's instructions, you can help minimize pain and swelling after your bunion surgery.

Can I wear socks after bunion surgery?

Please wear a loose-fitting cotton sock. NO nylons, tight fitting anklets or socks for 4-6 weeks, they will CHANGE your toe position. You can get fit for a temporary oversized flexible running shoe. Schuler Shoes will assist you.