Bunion Surgery Specialist
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The Foot Care Group
Podiatrist located in North Suburbs, Libertyville, IL & Hinsdale, Hinsdale, IL
Bunions are a common deformity that can affect your foot function and mobility. To reduce pain and pressure in your feet, Steven Sharlin, DPM, performs bunion surgery at The Foot Care Group in Hinsdale, Libertyville, and the Streeterville community of Chicago, Illinois. Bunion surgery may improve your quality of life if you struggle with foot pain from bunions. To learn more, call The Foot Care Group or schedule an appointment online today.
Bunion Surgery Q & A
What is bunion surgery?
A bunion is a bony growth that develops near the base of your big toe. It protrudes outward and can distort the shape of your foot. Without treatment, bunions can make walking difficult. They may even force you to change your gait to reduce pain and discomfort.
Early intervention is the best treatment for bunions. However, if your bunions become severe, nonsurgical treatments may not be enough to repair the damage. In this case, Dr. Sharlin can perform bunion surgery to remove the enlarged portion of your bone and realign your foot into the correct position.
How do I know if I need bunion surgery?
Bunions range in size and pain from mild to severe. Signs that bunion surgery may be the right treatment for you include:
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Foot pain
- Calluses and corns
- Large bump near the base of your big toe
If you have a bunion, seek treatment sooner rather than later. As a bunion grows, even wearing shoes can leave you in constant pain and discomfort.
What happens during bunion surgery?
After completing a physical exam, diagnostic imaging, and a review of your medical history, Dr. Sharlin can schedule a date for your bunion surgery. This procedure requires block anesthesia, so you’ll be awake, but your foot will be numb.
Every bunion surgery is different. Depending on the severity of your case, Dr. Sharlin removes tissue, bone, tendons, and ligaments before realigning your foot. Finally, he uses stitches to close the wound.
What is recovery like after bunion surgery?
You’ll need someone to drive you home after bunion surgery. It’s important to rest and keep your foot elevated to promote healing. Dr. Sharlin may recommend ice therapy and a cane or walker to relieve pain and swelling in your foot.
It takes around six to eight weeks to recover from bunion surgery. However, you may not be able to return to your normal physical activity until four to six months after the procedure.
Bunion surgery is a safe, effective treatment for bunions that haven’t responded well to nonsurgical interventions. To learn more about bunion surgery, call The Foot Care Group or schedule an appointment online today.