Bunions are progressive bone deformities of the foot that often cause recurring or chronic inflammation, irritation, and pain that require surgical correction. Surgical removal of a bunion is called a bunionectomy. However, there are multiple types of bunionectomies, each designed to resolve different structural changes caused by the deformity. Below we outline the process of treatment and recovery from our bunion surgery NYC. All our bunion surgeries are performed at our Joint commission Accredited Podiatric Operating Suite located in our Midtown Manhattan facilities.

What exactly will your bunion surgery in NYC involve? Bunion surgeries fall into two major categories:

• Head procedures that treat the big toe joint. In this type of bunionectomy, the bone is cut just behind the joint, moved into its proper position, and fixed in place with bandaging. No screws or pins are used in the process. Walking is immediate and usually no stitches are used. This is great for patients who cannot be immobilized for long periods of time.
• Base procedures concentrate on the bone near or behind the big toe joint. Different types of base procedures are conducted depending on the nature of the deformity. These range from cutting a wedge out of the bone and splitting it so that it can be moved into its proper position; making a semi-circular cut and rotating the bone into its correct position; or fusing the joint. Ligaments inside and outside the toe may also be treated during a base procedure.

There are three important factors that impact the success of your bunion surgery in NYC:

1. Choose a surgeon with extensive experience in performing bunionectomy surgeries (All surgeons at Adler Footcare have years of experience performing these types of procedures). Because a deep understanding of the biomechanics of each patient's foot as well as the intricacies of each surgical option is needed, surgeons with more experience performing bunion surgeries are better able to help each patient achieve the best outcome.
2. Be realistic in your expectation about what a bunionectomy can accomplish. No physician can guarantee that a bunion won't recur or that a patient will be absolutely pain free. Bunion surgery can reduce or eliminate the bone deformity, improve foot alignment and function, and prevent damage to other toes, but it does have its limitations. Be sure you understand all the possibilities before opting for this surgery.
3. Bunion surgery is not a magic bullet. Surgery alone will not be all that is needed to achieve your best outcome. Even with bunion surgery, there will be a recovery period, during which you may have to limit your walking, the type of shoes you wear, and exercise. However, most patients are back to wearing closed shoes within 4-6 weeks. Adler Footcare helps facilitate the healing of your foot with in office physical therapy. Additionally, you will need a corrective custom orthotic device on an ongoing basis to correct the way you walk, which caused your Bunion in the first place.
   

What To Expect

All of our bunion surgeries in NYC today are performed on an outpatient basis at our Joint Commission Accredited Podiatric Operating Suite located in Midtown Manhattan. Set aside the entire day for the surgery, although you may only be at the facility for a half day.

Prior to the surgery, patients will need to make some preparatory arrangements. These include:

• Seeing your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to make sure any other health conditions are stabilized prior to surgery and to document your complete medical history, which can then be given to the foot surgeon.
• Arranging your schedule to make sure you don't need to take any long trips for at least four weeks following the surgery.
• Lining up another person to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
• Stopping the use of any anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, for five to seven days before the surgery.

The night before the surgery, you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight. You should also wash your foot the night before and morning of the procedure to help reduce surrounding bacteria and prevent infection.

Bunion surgery in NYC is usually performed under twilight sleep with a local anesthetic and is administered by an anesthesiologist. After the surgery, patients are often given a long-acting anesthetic and pain medication, which is why someone else must drive the patient home.

Recovery From Your Bunion Surgery in NYC

The type of procedure, or bunionectomy, you have will determine the degree to which you can put weight on the foot immediately after the surgery. Some patients, particularly those having base procedures, may have to use a Cam walking boot or crutches; others may be sent home wearing a surgical shoe. The foot will be covered in a dressing, which you will need to keep dry for up to two days or until you begin to soak the foot.

During the first week after your bunion surgery in NYC, you will need to keep the foot elevated as much as possible. A special machine (NuLife NuPulse Device) to keep the foot at 38 degrees fahrenheit is given to you to use the first week, this device has been found to relieve almost all post operative pain and reduce swelling. Limited ambulation or walking is required over the first two weeks to promote healing. Patients also begin soaking their foot in a special mixture to speed healing.

You will return for redressing changes once weekly for the first three weeks post operatively. By the second week physical therapy will begin to be performed in the office to help speed healing.

By the third or fourth week post surgery, swelling generally subsides enough for the patient to begin wearing a wide athletic shoe. It is important to continue daily exercises and daily home therapy. You will be dispensed a bone stimulator that will help heal your bones many weeks earlier than they otherwise would. If recommended, physical therapy may be continued at this time. Once the wound has completely closed, you can use lotions to soften the skin in the surgical area.

By week six after the bunion surgery, you will be able to walk normal distances and begin mild fitness activities. Continue following your surgeons instructions for increasing exercise and activities until you are back to normal.

Podiatric OR of Midtown Manhattan PC is the Accredited OR associated with Adler Footcare’s office in Midtown Manhattan

Our office for bunion surgery in NYC is located at 25 West 45^th Street, in suite 1407, and has been accredited by the Joint Commission for demonstrating compliance with its national standards for health care quality and safety for office-based surgery. If you are experiencing pain from bunions, please contact Adler Footcare. Our podiatrists offer the best options for bunion surgery in NYC.