Bunions –– under the best of circumstances –– can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Over time, bunions could also become prohibitively painful and downright disruptive. This is true also of bunionettes, or “tailor’s bunions,” as they’re sometimes called. A bunionette is essentially the same as a “regular” bunion only it is located on the opposite side of the foot from the big toe. As such, bunionettes form next to the “little toe” and are also usually smaller than typical bunions. Despite being smaller, though, bunionettes can be just as painful and frustrating to deal with. Given that fact, today we’ll explain the basics of bunionette surgery, and what patients can expect from the procedure.
Depending on the size and nature of the bunion, bunion surgery may take a variety of different forms. Traditional bunion surgical procedures can be quite extensive and may require the removal of the bunion as well as the insertion of metal screws or sutures to realign the joints within the foot. Traditional surgical methods may also require weeks or months of recovery time after the removal of a bunion or the realignment of a joint.
Because traditional forms of bunion surgery are very time-consuming and may even lead to further foot-pain complications, it’s easy to see why many people have been hesitant to “go under the knife” to address bunion pain. Unfortunately, over-the-counter alternatives to bunion surgery rarely –– if ever –– provide relief from bunion pain. Bunion correctors, sleeves, cushions, and pads, don’t treat the root cause of bunion issues, and –– at best –– serve only as temporary pain relievers.
At Northwest Surgery Center, we provide a third treatment option –– minimally invasive bunion surgery. We’re able to help patients suffering from bunions or bunionettes through a minimally invasive procedure. During a minimally invasive bunionette surgery, the doctor will make several small incisions to remove the bunion and realign the foot. Afterward, most of our patients are able to walk out of the operating room and resume their day-to-day activities almost immediately.
Essentially, the surgery involves the removal of the bunion and realignment of the foot, without damaging any joints or tissue in the process. The incisions are so small that only a regular bandage and gauze are needed to cover the foot post-surgery. The entire outpatient procedure typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. As such, patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are able to avoid the weeks or months of recovery normally associated with the surgical removal of bunions.
After a minimally invasive bunionette surgery, patients should be able to resume their regular routine This includes activities like driving, going to work, walking around, etc. Patients do have to wear a small post-operative shoe for up to four weeks after the procedure. And patients should abstain from certain activities like intense exercise, operating heavy machinery, or getting their bandages wet after surgery.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery could be the perfect way to provide relief for your bunion pain. If you’re tired of struggling with foot pain, contact our team at Northwest Surgery Center here for more information. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, and we’re ready to help you today!
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