If you have noticed that the big toe of your foot (maybe also your other toes) point outwards, it indicates that you suffer from Hallux Valgus, better known as Bunion. When pointing outward it can be painful when turning or even when putting on a shoe and rubbing constantly with the shoe.
How can I correct the bunion?
There are several ways to correct the bunion, but most of the time it is about correcting the alignment of the big toe, which can be done by removing bone wedges and tightening the joint ligaments. The surgeon may also choose to use wires, screws, or a plate to align the bone. At the end of the operation, the surgeon places a special plaster bandage (J-shaped) around the affected area. As a general rule, this bandage should be maintained for about 2 weeks, after which time the surgeon will have to visit again so that he can evaluate the condition of the bunion.
Operation risk
As with all procedures, this carries some risks and complications.
Common
- Pain: The operation involves moving the tissues which leads to pain, to relieve these pains can talk to your surgeon for analgesics.
- Bleeding: There will inevitably be some bleeding.
- Scar: The operation will leave a small scar on the side of the big toe.
- Stiffness of the joint: This situation may occur after the operation, it may be that the curve of the toe is smaller but painless.
- Little force on the tip of the foot: After the operation you may notice that the joint of the big toe is unstable, this is because the operation can damage the ligaments and tendons.
Rare
- Infection: There may be redness in the area where the operation was performed after the operation, or there may be an area with discharge. It may be necessary to take antibiotics to treat these infections.
- Delayed Union: In spite of the fixation, the bones may not sound correctly, which may require a second operation.
- Hypertrophic Scar: These scars are exaggerated growths of the tissue where the scar has been made. They can be treated with steroid injection or surgically if necessary.
- Delayed wound healing: This may occur if the wound is under tension, infected, or has poor blood circulation.
- Recurrent deformity: After the operation the deformity may return despite rectification.
- Fracture: Bones may break easily, as they begin to recover they are weak and may break again. This can be very painful and will need to be intervened.