Bunion Surgery in Ann Arbor at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers
Anyone who has ever had bunions can tell you how painful they can be and how much they can affect your lifestyle. Whether you’re considering bunion surgery or just curious about your options, we can help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options for bunion treatment in Ann Arbor, MI, at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers.
Inflammation and Swelling
A bunion is not just a painful swelling at your big toe joint. It is actually a structural change and misalignment of the foot that causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe. There are several factors behind bunion growth; typically, heredity and certain foot types make a person more likely to develop a bunion. Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can progressively worsen the bunion appearance and pain, and might lead to the need for Bunion Surgery.
A bony hump at the base of the big toe is the biggest sign that you may have developed this condition. Bunions are often painful and typically cause an extreme amount of discomfort, although some patients feel no discomfort at all. Because a bunion protrudes on the side of the foot, it’s likely for it to continuously rub against the inside of your shoe. This causes frequent friction, pain, and possible numbness/burning sensation, and calluses can form as well. If you have a Bunion, frequently wear tight-fitting shoes such as high heels, and are older in age, it’s very likely that you may develop arthritis or worsen your symptoms associated with the bunion.
There are a number of ways to help alleviate discomfort if you’re experiencing pain due to having a bunion. To begin, it’s important that you maintain a healthy body weight in order to lessen the pressure put on your feet. Icing and warming the affected area may also help ease pain, as well as wearing wider-set footwear to avoid friction between your shoe and bunion. Activity modification, pads, injections, and anti-inflammatory medications may also help relieve pain. Some patients have also found shoe inserts to be extremely helpful for correcting the position of the foot. In more serious cases where the pain is severe, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat the bunion. If you would like more information on how to best treat your bunion, we recommend you consult with one of our podiatrists as soon as possible for professional care and a proper diagnosis.
Relief is Afoot
If you have a bunion, non-surgical treatment may not be enough to get rid of your pain. It is important that you know all of your options before choosing how to handle your bunion.
You want to make sure that it is an informed decision so that you can avoid complications and enjoy a quick recovery period afterward. The Ann Arbor Bunion Surgery experts at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers treat you with personal care and provide complete support throughout every step of their procedure. They will evaluate your foot and help you determine whether surgery or other preventative treatments could be the best path forward for you.
You Have Options
Bunion surgeries can relieve pain caused by a bunion and can help you lead a more comfortable life.
But, before you decide to have Bunion Surgery performed on your foot, you should try less invasive treatments first. A common treatment for bunions is bunion splints. Bunion splints are worn around your foot to prevent your big toe from rubbing against other toes.
They help relieve pain by keeping pressure off of your bunion and can help improve how you walk. Some people find that wearing bunion splints helps reduce their symptoms enough that they no longer need to see a podiatrist but typically, these splints do not correct the bunion deformity itself. Our podiatrists will typically recommend that you try non-surgical methods of treatment before considering surgical options. If your bunions are still causing discomfort after conservative treatments, then it may be time to consider undergoing Bunion Surgery.
When it’s Time
If you’re suffering from bunion pain or deformity and haven’t seen any relief from conservative treatment methods (i.e., taping, strapping, etc.), you may be a candidate for Bunion Surgery in Ann Arbor. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination to determine if you are a good candidate for bunion surgery based on your health and your ability to comply with post-surgery recovery requirements.
Dedicated to Detail
During Bunion Surgery, our doctors will make an incision in the area of the big toe joint. They’ll remove bone spurs from around your joint and realign any misaligned bones within your joint capsule. Once they’ve completed these procedures, they’ll close up any incisions using sutures or staples and dress them with bandages or medical tape. The entire procedure typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.
A Few Days Off Your Feet
You’ll likely need to stay off your feet for a few days to weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure. After receiving Bunion Surgery Ann Arbor patients usually between six to 12 weeks for full recovery; a portion of this may be spent not putting weight on the foot, depending on the procedure. It’s also important to know that getting back into shape will take time and patience. You might be sore and swollen for up to three months after surgery, even longer if you have bone or cartilage grafts done during your procedure.
Big Relief
When you’re thinking about undergoing bunion surgery to correct a deformity of your foot, it’s important to understand what results can be expected. The goal of Bunion Surgery is not just to decrease pain but also to improve functionality and decrease deformity. Factors that influence bunion surgery results include your age, your activity level, and how long you’ve had bunions.
The Next Step
Don't take another painful step without dealing with your bunions. Schedule a consultation for Bunion Surgery in Ann Arbor at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers.
Our podiatrists are here to help you down the path to pain-free walking again. To schedule a consultation, complete our online appointment request form. A member of our staff will contact you to confirm your appointment time and address any questions you may have. We look forward to helping you!
Bunion Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and recovery can be quite quick; patients report being able to walk normally within hours after their procedure and return to work within days.
Bunion Surgery is typically a minimally invasive procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with bunion surgery—but they’re rare. If you have an infection or condition that may affect your recovery or interfere with anesthesia (such as being allergic to certain medications), it’s important to discuss these issues before your operation.
Get relief today at Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers
At Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we identify your unique foot and ankle needs and develop a highly effective and individualized treatment plan to resolve them. Our experts will work relentlessly to make you feel better and put your best foot forward.
