Long-Term Problems After Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery can bring relief from the pain, but you need to know that you aren’t always done with problems after the procedure. While many patients recover well, there’s a chance that you experience issues months or even years later. So, before you do the procedure, you better know about the potential long-term problems after bunion surgery.

Common Problems After Bunion Surgery

Before diving into the long-term problems after bunion surgery, let’s take a look at some common problems that can occur which you can resolve with proper post-operative care:

• Pain and swelling are typical in the early stages of recovery and usually go away as your foot heals.
• The risk of infection exists like any surgery. This risk highlights the need for antibiotics or additional care.
• You may experience more noticeable scarring. Scarring can cause you discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
• Limited movement and stiffness in your big toe joint can happen after surgery which leads to difficulty in walking.

The Long-Term Problems After Bunion Surgery

While most patients recover well from their surgery, you may face more complications. Understanding these potential long-term problems after bunion surgery in Arizona can help you manage your expectations and take steps to prevent them:

Circulation Problems After Bunion Surgery

You may experience circulation issues after the surgery, especially if your foot blood flow is already compromised. These problems include:

• Delayed healing when blood flow is not adequate which can cause more pain. To help resolve this, you need to keep your foot elevated, follow your post-surgery care instructions, and talk to your doctor.
• Poor circulation can lead to foot and ankle swelling. Your swelling can cause persistent pain and mobility problems. You need to elevate your foot regularly, wear compression stockings (if advised), and avoid standing for too long.
• You may get tissue death, known as necrosis, in rare and severe cases. This condition often leads to additional treatments or surgeries. You need to closely monitor your foot post-surgery and seek help if you see signs of unusual pain or discoloration.

Foot Problems After Bunion Surgery

Long-term problems after bunion surgery can also arise in the structure and function of your foot, such as:

• Persistent foot pain which can continue for years if your foot doesn’t heal properly. It can make walking difficult and affect your daily activities. You need to follow up with your doctor for pain management strategies and physical therapy.
• Metatarsalgia, which is a pain in the ball of the foot. This condition can make standing or walking painful. To manage it, wear supportive footwear, use orthotic inserts, and do redistributing pressure exercises across your foot.
• In some cases, you may need overcorrection during surgery which leads to a new deformity and discomfort in your foot. This overcorrection can cause issues with your balance and walking. You may need to adjust your footwear, do physical therapy, or consider revision surgery to correct the problem.

Problems with Screws After Bunion Surgery

Using screws and plates during the surgery is common to stabilize the bones, but these can sometimes can cause long-term problems after bunion surgery:

• Screws can irritate your tissues and cause pain and soreness. Your irritation can make wearing shoes or walking long distances uncomfortable. To resolve this, you may need to take anti-inflammatory medications, use padding around the area, or adjust your footwear.
• Over time, the screws might loosen and lead to pain and instability in your joint. So, your foot may feel less secure and become prone to more injuries. For loosening, You may need to limit weight-bearing activities and, in severe cases, another surgery to tighten or replace the hardware.
• If the screws cause ongoing pain or other issues, you may need to have them removed. Hardware removal procedures can relieve the discomfort caused by the screws and allow for improved comfort and function of the foot.

Ankle Problems After Bunion Surgery

This surgery is primarily focused on the big toe, but it can affect the entire foot, including your ankle:

• After your surgery, the way you walk might change. This change can cause extra strain on your ankle and lead to pain, instability, and discomfort when walking or standing. To fix this, you can do physical therapy to correct your gait and strengthen your ankle.
• The added stress on your ankle joint post-surgery can sometimes cause arthritis. This condition can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling in your ankle. To manage it, you may need to use supportive footwear, take anti-inflammatory medications, and exercise to reduce joint stress.

Big Toe Problems After Bunion Surgery

The big toe is the primary focus of the surgery, and it’s not uncommon to have long-term problems after bunion surgery, such as:

• Your big toe may lose some of its flexibility. It can limit your motion and make activities like walking or running more challenging and painful. To improve flexibility, you can do physical therapy and regular stretching exercises.
• There’s a risk of nerve damage around the big toe. This risk can lead to ongoing numbness or tingling in your toe. While some nerve issues may gradually improve on their own, severe cases might require additional medical treatment.
• Your bunion may return if the underlying causes, such as wearing improper footwear, are not addressed. Learn more about it in the following section.

Can Bunions Come Back After Surgery?

Yes, they can come back after your surgery if the underlying causes, such as wearing improper footwear, are not addressed. The recurrence rate is around 10-30% and it depends on factors like the severity of the original bunion, surgical technique, and post-surgery care. To prevent recurrence, you can wear proper footwear, maintain a healthy weight, and follow post-surgical guidelines.

Can Bunion Surgery Cause Nerve Damage?

Yes. This nerve damage can result in long-term numbness, tingling, or even pain in your toe or surrounding areas. Some patients experience minor issues, but others may have more significant symptoms. To help prevent nerve damage, choose an experienced surgeon and follow all pre- and post-surgery guidelines carefully.

Safe Bunion Surgery Without Problems in Arizona

At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers in Arizona, we prioritize your foot health with the highest standard of care. Our team ensures a safe and effective surgery with minimal risks of long-term complications. If you’re considering this surgery or need a second opinion, call us at 480-864-4082 or contact us today to schedule a consultation and step toward healthier, pain-free feet.

Conclusion

Although you find pain relief, you need to be aware of the potential long-term problems after bunion surgery. Understanding these issues helps you make the best decision and take proactive steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your foot health.

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