6 Myths About Bunion Surgery

This article was adapted from Dr. Neil Blitz's article that appeared in the Huffington Post.
Myth 1: Bunion surgery is extremely painful.
Overall, bunion surgery is not more painful than other general surgeries. Foot surgery can lend itself to post-operative pain because of the foot's location below the heart and the likelihood of blood rushing to the area,

creating that throbbing feeling. There is also not a lot of soft tissue surrounding the bones on the foot, so post-operative swelling can aggravate the nerves. However, most patients who experience post-operative pain find relief with pain medication.
Myth 2: Even after surgery, bunions can come back.
Not necessarily! It's not likely bunions will recur, like warts or fungal toenails. Some patients however have excessive motion in the foot that predisposes them to bunions. Others continue to wear improper footwear and bad habits. As well, the surgery that was performed the first time may not have been suitable for the bunion's severity.
Myth 3: You'll have to wear an ugly cast and go on crutches.
Maybe that was true back in the 1970's or 1980's, but podiatry has made many advancements and improvements over the past 30 years. Modern technology allows podiatrists to get their patients walking much quicker. For mild bunions, you can expect to wear a surgical shoe for six weeks (not stylish, we know, but much better than a cast!). Larger and more severe bunions sometimes require a cast and crutches, but that's because setting the bones is very complex. Some podiatrists don't even cut the bone anymore but perform instead a procedure called Lapidus bunionectomy, a fusion that allows for the realignment of the deviated bone.
Myth 4: You'll be out of work forever.
If you have a desk job, expect to be back at work within two weeks. Jobs where you are on your feet, require excessive walking or physical activity may require a leave of absence up to two months. Driving may be a problem if your right foot is operated on.
Myth 5: A bunion shouldn't be fixed unless it's painful.
Not always. Bunions that continue to grow, interfere with activity, or certain shoes cannot be worn anymore, can be removed. It is the preference of our podiatrists that the bunion be painful before we remove it.
Myth 6: You'll have gross scars after surgery.
As with most surgeries, there will some scarring afterwards. The incision for the surgery is either on the top of the foot or the the side of the foot. Your surgeon's methods of closing will vary by the individual; some may perform a plastic-surgery type closure.
If you are suffering from a bunion, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Foot Deformity Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
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Reference: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/bunion-surgery_b_1349607.html

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