Get all the necessary information to understand if bunion surgery is right for you.
Dealing with a bunion? Wondering if surgery is the next step? Doing all your research before saying “yes” to surgery is important. It’s also important that patients of our Mullica Hill, NJ, podiatrists Dr. Michael Cherella and Dr. Kyle Shaw understand what bunion surgery entails to make informed decisions about what treatment options are right for them.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Most bunion surgeries only require local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed and at ease during the procedure.
Will surgery hurt?
Bunion surgery gets a bad rap, but these days there are endoscopic techniques that can lessen the post-procedural pain and discomfort that you may have heard about from traditional bunion surgery. While you may experience pain, this typically dissipates 48-72 hours after surgery.
How long is the recovery process?
This will depend on the type of bunion surgery you undergo. Those undergoing endoscopic bunion surgery must stay off their feet for at least the first two weeks. Once our team clears you, you can wear a protective boot. It usually takes 3-4 months to recover and return to normal activities. Traditional bunion surgery is more invasive; therefore, the recovery process may take longer.
Should I have my bunion fixed now?
This is certainly something that you should discuss with our Mullica Hill, NJ, podiatrists. Still, through a comprehensive evaluation and physical exam, we can typically determine whether you can take a wait-and-see approach to treatment or whether you should get surgery as soon as possible. If your bunion is impacting your daily routine, is incredibly large and is causing your big toe to cross over your smaller toes, you may not want to wait to have surgery.
Who is a good candidate for bunion surgery?
You may want to consider bunion surgery if,
- Nonsurgical treatment options aren’t working
- You’re dealing with bunion pain regularly
- Your bunion interferes with your daily activities and quality o life
- Your mobility is reduced
If you have questions about bunion surgery or want to find out if surgery is the best way to correct your bunion, our Mullica Hill, NJ, team would be happy to perform a comprehensive evaluation to see if surgery is the next step. To schedule an evaluation, call Mullica Hill Foot and Ankle at (856) 223-9939.