Bunion surgery is the most common surgery performed by podiatrists.

A bunion is a deformity of the great toe caused by various foot problems, including arthritis, improper shoes, and aging.

Bunion surgery can range from simple bunion shaving to orthopedic reconstructive surgery that involves cutting away bone and moving the joint. If you are about to have bunion surgery, there are things you need to know, let’s look at the details below, or you can click here for more information.

Why do you need bunion surgery?

Bunions appear when the joint at the base of your big toe begins to move outward, creating a bump on your foot’s side.

This bump forms because the bone has grown abnormally large, causing inflammation and pain in the joint area.

As this condition progresses, the joint becomes more deformed and painful.

The bump can also cause calluses or corns on the top of your foot or near your big toe joint.

What are the benefits of having bunion surgery?

The primary benefit of bunion surgery is pain relief. Unfortunately, the pain associated with bunions often worsens over time and may even affect other joints in the foot.

Since bunions are inherited, they tend to worsen as we age because of increased pressure on the joint. Therefore, the earlier you have your surgery, the better it will be for your complete health and quality of life.

What happens during bunion surgery?

This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure and takes about an hour.

The podiatrist will use a local anesthetic to numb your foot and leg. Next, the surgeon will cut your skin over the bunion, remove any inflamed tissue that may be causing pain, and realign the bones in your foot to straighten the joint.

The surgeon may use metal screws or a plate and screws to fix the joint back into place. If there’s too much damage to repair directly, he may have to move your toe bone slightly out of place to create room for new tissue growth.

They can also use keyhole incisions for the surgery so that you won’t need stitches on your skin afterward.

How long will it take to recover from bunion surgery?

Recovery time from bunion surgery depends on the type of procedure performed and any complications that may arise.

According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), recovery time can range from two weeks to six months.

This is minor surgery and should not require an overnight stay in the hospital.

However, some patients do need to spend one night at home after the procedure.

Anesthesia used during this procedure varies depending on your surgeon’s preference and is usually either local or general anesthesia.

How much does the surgery cost?

The average cost of bunion surgery is $3,000-$5,000. However, this price range varies from one surgeon to another and from one part of the country to another. Some insurance companies cover a portion of this cost.

Final Thoughts

After reading this, this article should fully inform you about bunion surgery.

While it’s only possible to provide a brief overview of such an essential topic in a single article, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision about whether or not you want to pursue this particular course of treatment.

If you think bunion correction is proper for you, be sure to seek the services of a qualified professional.