Bunion Surgery in Ann Arbor at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers
Anyone who has ever had bunions can tell you how painful they can be and how much they can affect your lifestyle. Whether you’re considering bunion surgery or just curious about your options, we can help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options for bunion treatment in Ann Arbor, MI, at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers.
Inflammation and Swelling
A bunion is not just a painful swelling at your big toe joint. It is actually a structural change and misalignment of the foot that causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe. There are several factors behind bunion growth; typically, heredity and certain foot types make a person more likely to develop a bunion. Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can progressively worsen the bunion appearance and pain, and might lead to the need for Bunion Surgery.
A prominent bony bump on the inside of the big toe is one of the hallmark signs of a bunion. While some individuals experience no discomfort, bunions are often painful and often cause significant discomfort. The protruding nature of a bunion makes it susceptible to constant rubbing against the inside of footwear, leading to frequent friction, pain, and possible numbness or burning sensations.
Calluses may also develop as a result of the friction. If you have a Bunion, frequently wear tight-fitting shoes such as high heels, and are older in age, it’s very likely that you may develop arthritis or worsen your symptoms associated with the bunion.
There are several things you can do to alleviate discomfort if you’re experiencing pain due to having a bunion.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the pressure on your feet, minimizing strain on the affected joint. Applying ice or heat to the bunion can also provide temporary relief. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can prevent friction and irritation. You may also want to consider modifying your activities, as well as using bunion pads, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections to manage pain. For some individuals, shoe inserts can effectively realign the foot's position. In severe cases where pain persists, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat the bunion. For personalized treatment advice and a proper diagnosis for how to best treat your bunion, we encourage you to consult with one of our experienced podiatrists as soon as possible.
The Relief You’ve Been Looking For
If you have a bunion, non-surgical treatment may not be enough to get rid of your pain. It is important that you know all of your options before choosing how to handle your bunion.
You want to make sure that it is an informed decision so that you can avoid complications and enjoy a quick recovery period afterward. The Ann Arbor Bunion Surgery experts at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers treat you with personal care and provide complete support throughout every step of their procedure. They will evaluate your foot and help you determine whether surgery or other preventative treatments could be the best path forward for you.
You Have Options
Bunion surgeries can relieve pain caused by a bunion and can help you lead a more comfortable life.
But, before you decide to have Bunion Surgery performed on your foot, you should try less invasive treatments first. A common treatment for bunions is bunion splints. Bunion splints are worn around your foot to prevent your big toe from rubbing against other toes.
They help relieve pain by keeping pressure off of your bunion and can help improve how you walk. Some people find that wearing bunion splints helps reduce their symptoms enough that they no longer need to see a podiatrist. Still, typically, these splints do not correct the bunion deformity itself. Our podiatrists will typically recommend that you try non-surgical methods of treatment before considering surgical options. If your bunions are still causing discomfort after conservative treatments, then it may be time to consider undergoing Bunion Surgery.
When It’s Time
If you’re suffering from bunion pain or deformity and haven’t seen any relief from conservative treatment methods (i.e., taping, strapping, etc.), you may be a candidate for Bunion Surgery in Ann Arbor. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination to determine if you are a good candidate for bunion surgery based on your health and your ability to comply with post-surgery recovery requirements.
You’ve Got Options
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is a contemporary approach that employs a burr, rather than a saw, for bone cutting. This technique involves creating small foot incisions, minimizing disruption to soft tissues, resulting in reduced post-procedural swelling and pain. There are two minimally invasive bunion correction variants: PECA for mild to moderate bunions and Percutaneous Lapidus for severe cases. These methods facilitate early weight-bearing, accelerated healing, and a prompt return to regular activities. However, open surgery is more appropriate for highly severe bunions, offering a more robust correction and lower recurrence risk. The choice of procedure should be made in consultation with an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, following a thorough physical examination and X-ray assessment.
Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is an innovative and distinct approach to treating bunions, setting it apart from traditional methods. Unlike conventional surgery that merely focuses on the cosmetic aspect, Lapiplasty corrects the entire bone in three dimensions while stabilizing the unstable foundation. Thanks to advanced fixation technology, patients can resume walking within a few days after the procedure. Research has demonstrated impressive results, with a low recurrence rate of 97% and 99% at 13 and 17 months, respectively. This treatment is suitable for patients aged 12 and above, regardless of the severity of their bunions. Even in cases requiring a revision, Lapiplasty remains a viable option, providing long-lasting outcomes by addressing the root cause.
Dedicated to Detail
During Bunion Surgery, our doctors will make an incision in the area of the big toe joint. They’ll remove bone spurs from around your joint and realign any misaligned bones within your joint capsule. Once they’ve completed these procedures, they’ll close up any incisions using sutures or staples and dress them with bandages or medical tape. The entire procedure typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.
A Few Days Off Your Feet
You’ll likely need to stay off your feet for a few days to weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure. After receiving Bunion Surgery Ann Arbor patients can expect to resume a majority of their normal activities between six to 12 weeks after surgery; a portion of this may be spent not putting weight on the foot, depending on the procedure. It’s also important to know that getting back into shape will take time and patience. You might be sore and swollen for up to three months after surgery, even longer if you have bone or cartilage grafts done during your procedure.
Big Relief
When you’re thinking about undergoing bunion surgery to correct a deformity of your foot, it’s important to understand what results can be expected. The goal of Bunion Surgery is not just to decrease pain but also to improve functionality and decrease deformity. Factors that influence bunion surgery results include your age, your activity level, and how long you’ve had bunions.
The Next Step
Don't take another painful step without dealing with your bunions. Schedule a consultation for Bunion Surgery in Ann Arbor at Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers.
Our podiatrists are here to help you down the path to pain-free walking again. To schedule a consultation, complete our online appointment request form. A member of our staff will contact you to confirm your appointment time and address any questions you may have. We look forward to helping you!
Bunion Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and recovery can be quite quick; patients report being able to walk normally within hours after their procedure and return to work within days.
Bunion Surgery is typically a minimally invasive procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with bunion surgery—but they’re rare. If you have an infection or condition that may affect your recovery or interfere with anesthesia (such as being allergic to certain medications), it’s important to discuss these issues before your operation.
Bunions are a common foot condition, with millions of people experiencing them. They often develop slowly over time and can affect individuals of all ages.
Bunion surgery can involve some discomfort during the initial recovery period, but pain levels vary among individuals. Patients typically experience a combination of surgical site soreness and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and rest.
Bunion surgery is designed to correct the structural issues causing the bunion and can provide long-term relief. However, individual outcomes may vary, and factors like postoperative care and lifestyle choices can impact the longevity of the results.
In most cases, patients undergoing bunion surgery will need someone to drive them home after the procedure. The anesthesia and initial discomfort may make it unsafe for individuals to operate a vehicle immediately post-surgery.
The cost of bunion surgery varies depending on factors such as the type of procedure, surgeon fees, facility charges, and geographical location. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or surgeon to obtain an accurate estimate based on individual circumstances.
Insurance coverage for bunion surgery depends on the specific terms of your insurance plan. Some plans may cover a portion or the entirety of the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Get relief today at Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers
At Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we identify your unique foot and ankle needs and develop a highly effective and individualized treatment plan to resolve them. Our experts will work relentlessly to make you feel better and put your best foot forward.
