What to do Before Bunion Surgery

19 May What to do Before Bunion Surgery

Fortunately, bunion surgery is one of the less invasive foot procedures that exists, but it’s still a surgery and will require a bit of preparation. If you have a painful bunion that needs to be removed, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the surgery and make sure your experience is as smooth as possible. In this post, we will walk you through what will be done before a bunion surgery so you are totally confident and aware of what to expect.

1. Make Sure You Absolutely Need Bunion Surgery: In most cases, unless the bunion is severe and has not been addressed in time, surgery is the last resort. There are multiple treatments available that the podiatry specialist will try before opting for surgery. Not only are these treatments less invasive, but will save you money. If you notice your foot has developed a mildly painful bunion, it is in your best interest to get treatment right away so that it doesn’t worsen and ultimately lead to you needing surgery. Have your bunion examined by a foot specialist to determine whether surgery is necessary or if you can receive a different kind of treatment instead.
2. Find The Right Bunion Surgeon: When it comes to any kind of surgery, even less complex ones like bunion surgery, you always want to make sure that you have a highly qualified medical professional doing the procedure. Understandably, it can be difficult to find a bunion surgeon that you trust when you know very little of what bunion surgery entails. As a general rule of thumb, there are two important factors you should expect from a bunion surgeon: experience and board certification.
3. Get All of The Proper Medical Tests Beforehand: Before your bunion surgery can be scheduled, your doctor will order a few medical tests that need to be taken. These tests are conducted to examine your overall health and ensure that you are in good physical condition to undergo surgery. These medical tests will include urine and blood tests to confirm you do not have any diseases before or during the surgery, an X-ray of your lungs and a cardiogram to ensure your heart health is in good condition. If you are on blood-thinners or some form of medication, there is a chance you will have to go off of them before your bunion surgery. Inform your foot doctor and surgeon of any medications you may be taking so you can know whether or not you need to go off of them temporarily for the procedure.
4. A Plan For Post-Surgery: Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure which means you will go in for the operation and come out in the same day. By the time you leave, your anesthesia will have worn off. You’ll want to have your transportation to get back home arranged prior to your surgery so that everything will be set in place as soon as you leave. In addition to having your transportation arrangements made, you will also want to prepare for the recovery time. Most bunion surgery recovery times only last a few weeks, but for more invasive surgeries, it could be up to six months before you have fully recovered. Make sure to speak with your surgeon beforehand to get a better idea of how long you will need to recover.

Need more information on what you should do before your bunion surgery? Or do you have questions related to other foot care needs? Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a full list of our comprehensive podiatry services whether you need treatment for a toenail infection, wound care, or ankle sprain.