Bun surgery

Hallux valgus is an expansion of the bone or tissue around the joint at the root of the big toe or little toe. Bunions often form when the joint is under stress for a long period of time and are more common in women, primarily because women are more likely to wear tight and pointed shoes. They can also be a consequence of arthritis.

When is bunion surgery performed?

Bunion surgery is done to reduce pain and correct foot deformity. Before surgery is considered, the doctor may first recommend wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, especially shoes that conform to the shape of the foot and do not cause pressure. For bunions caused by arthritis, medications can be helpful in reducing pain and swelling.
If these treatments do not help, a surgical option is considered. The primary goals of the operation are to relieve pain and correct the deformity as best as possible, while the aesthetic component, i.e. the appearance of the foot itself is a secondary goal.
The type of surgical procedure depends on the level of activity and condition of the bones and connective tissue, age, general health, as well as the type and severity of the bunion, which can be mild, moderate, severe and arthritic. The more extensive the changes, the more radical the operation.

How is bunion surgery performed?

Most bunion surgery is performed under local anesthesia, during which the foot is numb, but the patient is awake. Less commonly, general or spinal anesthesia is used.
In general, bunion surgery has the following steps: if the intervention is done under local anesthesia, the patient will feel a needle prick when the anesthetic is injected, and if general anesthesia is used, the anesthetic will be given intravenously. The skin above the bunion is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. During surgery, the surgeon cuts, removes and aligns parts of the bones, ligaments and tendons of the affected foot depending on the severity of the bunion.
After the correction, the surgeon closes the skin incision with stitches.

Recovery after bunion surgery

The initial recovery process varies depending on the type of anesthesia received.
The patient will receive specific instructions from the doctor for foot care at home during the first few weeks after surgery. Sometimes it is necessary to wear special shoes or a cast after the operation.
The foot should be kept elevated as much as possible to reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, the use of a cane or walker is required after surgery.
The patient receives precise instructions about postoperative activities. Exercise or physical therapy can help the foot regain strength and range of motion after surgery. High heels should be avoided for at least six months after the intervention.
For all additional information and appointments, call the BioCell Hospital contact center at 011 66 88 000 or 060 66 88 000, and you can also contact us via the contact form by clicking on the CONTACT link