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:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

When is my next medical appointment?

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

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:

• Eat healthy foods: Choose 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. Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose protein sources, such as lean beef and chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you should have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drinking liquids: Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.
  
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• 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.

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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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