About this topic
A bunion is a bony bump that happens on your big toe. The bone that joins the big toe gets bigger and sticks out. This can distort how your foot looks. ‚
It is most often caused by: ‚
- Wearing shoes that do not fit
- Shoes that puts pressure on your toes
- Swelling of the joints
Bunion removal is a surgery done to remove the deformed joint of your big toe. It is used when the bunion: ‚
- Gets bigger and causes too much pain
- Makes it hard to walk
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- When it is safe to put weight on your foot
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Your doctor may give you a special surgical shoe or cast to wear for a few weeks after the surgery. This will protect your foot. Ask your doctor how long you need to wear this.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid putting weight on your injured foot for the first few days. Use crutches, a cane, or walker to take pressure off on your foot and toe.
- Raise your foot above the level of your heart. Prop your foot up on a few pillows. This will help lower pain and swelling. You may have some swelling for up to 6 months after the surgery.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Your doctor may take an x-ray test to make sure that your bone is fully healed.
- Your doctor may suggest exercises to strengthen your foot and improve flexibility. Physical therapy may be suggested to start you off.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Practice the toe exercises that the doctor asks you to do. The exercises help to strengthen the toes and foot muscles.
- Walk only short amounts for the first few weeks after surgery. You will be able to drive in about a week or so.
- Wear well-fitted, supportive shoes. Do not wear high heels for at least 6 months after the surgery.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your foot for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do these things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clot
- Bone heals in the wrong position
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid activities that cause foot pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Cold, numb, or tingling toe
- Swelling or pain in the leg
- Trouble breathing
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have cold, numb, or tingling toes or swelling or pain in my leg.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00140 ‚
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/bunions.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bunion/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚