San Antonio Podiatrist Discusses Eight Mistakes Patients Make When Considering Bunion Surgery

SAN ANTONIO, July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Ed Davis is a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon with over 25 years of experience, with offices in San Antonio, Texas. He is experienced in bunion surgery as well as all aspects of foot surgery.

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1. Bunion surgery is not a minor procedure so consider it for the right reason.  The boney "bump" one sees that looks unsightly and is irritated by shoegear can be accommodated by obtaining roomier shoes.  Of course, there comes a time when it becomes difficult to find shoes that will fit comfortably and it is time to see the attention of a podiatric surgeon.  Pain in the big toe joint itself is a reason for an exam since the misaligned big toe joint can become arthritic. Finally, a big toe that drifts toward the second toe is a reason to consider bunion surgery.
2. One should not seek surgical treatment for a mild bunion but it is better not to wait until the deformity is severe which may require a larger procedure that takes longer to heal.
3. Patients like to compare notes about procedures but there are a large number of bunion procedures out there, over 30.  Different procedures work better for specific patients and for specific types of bunions.  The correct choice of procedure may be more important than the technique itself in obtaining the correct results.  Be careful about advertisements for specific procedures since there is not one procedure that works for best for all.
4. Seek out a podiatric surgeon that is experienced with a wide range of procedures and is familiar with the latest techniques.
5. There is a myth that bunion surgery is painful.  While no surgeon can guarantee a painless procedure and there is a wide range of pain tolerance among people, modern techniques in bunion surgery and pain control should allow the procedure to be performed with a minimum of discomfort.
6. Casts and crutches.  The vast majority of current techniques in bunion surgery are ambulatory, that is, walking is allowed immediately after surgery.
7. Understand the reasons why bunions occur. Bunion or hallux abductovalgus deformity is a misalignment of the big toe joint caused by faulty foot mechanics.  Shoes do not cause bunions but can make them more painful.  The podiatric surgeon needs to account for and correct the biomechanical problems that create the bunion in order to restore proper function and ensure long-term success.
8. Pain and loss of range of motion in the big toe joint may occur with a bunion but is more commonly called "hallux rigidus" in which long-term misalignment causes the cartilage on the big toe joint to wear out.  There are four recognized stages of hallux rigidus.  The first two stages can be treated conservatively.  Fusion of the big toe joint may be utilized for severe hallux rigidus but there are now advanced procedures to restore normal big toe joint range of motion with cartilage substitutes.

For more information, Dr. Davis can be contacted at his San Antonio, Texas office at 210-490-3668 or at http://www.southtexaspodiatrist.com/

SOURCE Dr. Ed Davis - San Antonio Podiatrist

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