Bunionectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A bunion (BUN-yun) is a lump of overgrown bone or tissue at the base of your big toe. It grows from the joint that connects the big toe to the rest of your foot. As it grows, it sticks out from the side of your foot and may move your toe out of place. It may push your big toe in at an angle. It may push your big toe against your other toes or cause it to cross over them. A bunion can cause pain, swelling, and redness. It may cause your shoes to feel uncomfortable on your feet.
  
  
• A bunionectomy (bun-yun-EK-tuh-me) is surgery to remove a bunion from your big toe. Caregivers move bone, ligaments, and tendons during surgery to bring your big toe back to its correct position. Ligaments and tendons hold your muscles and joints together. You may also need a pin, screw, or rod placed in your toe joint. If you have a condition like arthritis, your toe joint may be damaged beyond repair. In this case, you may need to have the joint rebuilt or repaired.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

When is my next medical appointment?

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How will I feel after surgery? After a bunionectomy, your foot may be swollen, and there may be some discomfort. Caregivers may tell you to take medicines for pain and swelling. You may need to rest more often after surgery. Caregivers may ask you to lie down with your foot elevated (lifted) to prevent swelling.

What kind of exercise can I do? Exercise makes your heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy. Ask your caregiver to help you plan the best exercise program for you. Start exercising when your caregiver says it is OK. You may be able to start exercising 2 or more weeks after surgery.

• Moving the joint of your toe is important after bunion surgery. Caregivers maybe show you how to exercise your toes. Later, you maybe able to start activities such as running and aerobics. Ask caregivers when you can start doing these activities.
  
  

How do I care for my foot after surgery? It is normal to see a small amount of blood on your bandages. Call your caregiver if the bleeding continues or is more than you were told to expect.

• Elevate (L-uh-vate) your foot. After a bunionectomy, your foot may swell for up to 12 weeks. Use pillows to keep your foot above the level of your heart when lying in bed. Keep your foot raised on a foot stool whenever you are sitting. This helps decrease swelling and pain and improves blood flow. It can also help your foot heal faster.
  
  
• Use an ice pack. Ice causes blood vessels to constrict (get small) which helps decrease the swelling, pain, and redness. It is best to start using ice as soon as possible after surgery. Continue using it for at least 48 hours after surgery. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Put this on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as you need. it. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you may get frostbite.
  
  
• Keep your foot, and bandage or cast clean and dry. Wrap your foot in a plastic bag before bathing until caregivers say it is OK to get your foot wet. Close the bag around your leg (below the knee) with tape to take a shower. Rest your foot and leg on the side of the bathtub when taking a bath.
  
  
• Wear a walking shoe. You may be given a walking shoe to wear for 2 to 6 weeks if you do not have a cast. This shoe keeps your foot and toes in one position to help healing. The shoe also protects your toe from injury while it is healing. You may be allowed to walk with this shoe on the 1st or 2nd day after surgery.

Wellness Hints:

• Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• Your bandage or cast becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• The skin around your stitches is red, swollen, or has pus coming from the incision (cut). This may mean that you have an infection.
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy. These are signs that you may have an infection.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms. This may mean you are allergic (uh-LER-jik) to your medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery or medicine.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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