Bunion surgery is a common procedure that is designed to correct bunions and repair the structure of your foot. If you’re considering this surgery, understanding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help ease your concerns and prepare you for a smoother recovery. Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, can explain bunion surgery and how to prepare for the entire process. 

Understanding Bunion Surgery 

Before bunion surgery is performed, your podiatrist in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, will examine your feet and determine if bunion surgery is needed. If bunion surgery is necessary, your podiatrist will explain how to prepare for surgery. You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, which may include avoiding certain medications, fasting for a specific period before the procedure, and arranging for someone to drive you home post-surgery. In the weeks leading up to surgery, maintaining a healthy diet and staying as active as possible can improve your overall health and aid in recovery. 

During the procedure, you will receive anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. This could be general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision near the bunion, realign the bones, and reshape any excess bone. In some cases, small screws, plates, or wires may be used to hold the bones in place during healing. Once the correction is made, the incision is closed with stitches, and the foot is bandaged. 

You will be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia. Pain management will be a priority and medications will be prescribed to help control discomfort. For the first few days, you’ll need to keep your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Limited movement and rest are crucial during this period. Regular follow-ups with your podiatrist are essential to monitor healing. A gradual return to weight-bearing activities will be advised. Physical therapy might be recommended to improve strength and flexibility in the foot. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery. 

Contact Our Podiatrist Today 

Make sure you understand what to expect from bunion surgery. Contact Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, to learn more about bunion surgery and what to expect. Call for more information today at (850) 862-4119 for the office in Fort Walton Beach, FL, and (850) 682-6522 for the office in Crestview, FL.