Frequently Asked Questions

Foot Surgery FAQs: Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Do Bunion Correctors Work?

No.  Bunion correctors do not correct bunions because they do not address the underlying causes of bunions.  Bunion correctors will not permanently put the big toe back to its natural straight position.  See this article to learn more.

What is a Bunion Corrector?

A bunion corrector is a sling, strap, or another type of apparatus that attaches to the foot and puts pressure on the big toe in order to force it away from the other toes.  This is an attempt to make the big toe point straight, back to its natural position.  But the real question is, “Do bunion correctors work?”  For more information, see this article about bunion correctors.

What if I’m from out of town?

Our patients come from across the US to let us fix their bunions and foot problems.  We’ve partnered with a few nearby hotels to give our patients reduced rates.  Even if you’re outside our 2 locations near Milwaukee and Denver, we can fix your bunions, hammer toe and heel spurs without a big ordeal.

You can learn more by contacting us today.

How long will I wear the post op shoe?

About 1 to 5 weeks, depending on the extent of your specific procedure.  It also depends on the type of bunion surgery you have. Read more about bunion surgery recovery here!

When can I go back to work?

This depends on the type of surgery and the type of work you do. People whose job requires them to be on their feet for hours at a time might have to be assigned “light duty” work or miss more work than people who sit for a long time at work.

When can I drive?

You can drive yourself home about an hour and a half after you arrive for your minimally invasive foot procedure.

 

Is there much pain?
No.  Minimally invasive bunion surgery causes minimal pain.  It’s an outpatient procedure with local anesthetic, much like going to the dentist.
How long does the surgery take?

The minimally invasive foot operation usually takes half an hour and patients are in the surgery center for about an hour and a half, including pre- and post-op.

What type of surgery do I need?

The kind of surgery needed is dependent on the bunion type and the parts of the bunion deformity the patient wants to correct.

Various types of techniques used are

  1. Simple Bunionectomy – It involves the removal of the bump of the increased metatarsal head.
  2. Bunion with Osteotomy – This technique employs the removal of bump and causes the toe and the metatarsal to straightens out.
  3. Tailor’s Bunion – This removes the bump of the enlarged fifth toe.

Learn more about the minimally invasive technique here.

Why should I treat my bunion?

When a bunion is left untreated, it will move and affect other parts of your feet, legs and back. There is a high probability that a bunion affects the other toes because it pushes them out of alignment.

Toenails may become ingrown, corns and hammer toes might form if a bunion goes untreated.

What is a tailor’s bunion?

A tailor’s bunion takes place at the joint where the little toe bone connects to the foot bone on the external part of your foot.

See Also:

What is an arthritic bunion?

What is a hammer toe?

What is a Heel Spur?

What is an arthritic bunion?

An arthritic bunion is a type of bunion in which the big toe and the foremost metatarsal are straight but an arthritic bone is present. This arthritic bone spurs around the joint and limits motion, causing a lot of pain during motion and an inability to bend the toe properly.

See Also:

What is a Tailor’s Bunion?

What is a Heel Spur?

What is a Hammer Toe?

What is a bunion?

A bunion (Hallux Valgus) is a red bump that forms on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint.  It often coincides with the big toe angling in toward the other toes.  The condition is caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot.  Bunions can be removed by a quick outpatient procedure similar to a dentist visit.

A bunion deformity is made up of three parts. The physician or doctor will analyze your foot during the medical consultation and point to you which part, if there is any or the entire parts your bunion deformity has.

  1. Increase in the size of the metatarsal head, which causes bumps on that part of the foot.
  2. ‎Deviation of the first metatarsal bone toward the midline of the body which causes the metatarsal head to protrude and therefore makes the bump more visible.
  3. ‎ The big toe moves toward the little toe and pushes against the second toe.

See Also: What You Need to Know About Bunions

Is this a new type of surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery isn’t a new type of surgery, It has been over two decades since the first founders of Northwest Surgery Center started the development of this technique. With increasing development, the pioneers discovered a way to fix bunions, heel spurs and hammer toes with minimal pain and recovery time.  Find out more about the types of bunion surgery here.

What Are Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Quick outpatient surgical procedure – about 90 minutes including pre-op and post-op.

Almost pain-free, walk out of surgery, and drive yourself home.

Minimal or no time off work.

Quick recovery time, measured in weeks, not months.

A small cut is applied rather than a large incision.

A smaller incision results in fewer side effects including less bleeding, less pain, less scarring, reduced intake of narcotics, fewer complications which reduce the risk of infection and avoid little injury on the muscles, nerves, and tissues.

Compare bunion surgery procedures here.

Is Minimally Invasive Surgery a Better Option?

Why is minimally invasive surgery a better option compared to others?

Minimally invasive surgery causes less harm because there is only a minor disruption of the soft tissue. This process ensures a quick recovery.  The patient can walk immediately following the surgery and get back to their normal lives quickly.  Minimally invasive foot surgery also causes minimal pain.  The entire outpatient procedure lasts about 90 minutes, from your arrival to the time you walk out of your surgery and drive yourself home.  Compare bunion surgery types here.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

What is minimally invasive surgery?

A type of surgical procedure that accesses the surgical site through a small opening in the skin, not a long incision.

A small incision is created on the foot, and a uniquely designed instrument is inserted into the opening. The whole process is done through a small opening of less than an inch. At the end of the surgical operation, a stitch may be used to seal the opening, and a small bandage protects the surface.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for?

No worries, our team of care specialists are here to help.

See also:

Have a look at our blog for more information.

This content has been written and reviewed by Dr. Jordan Sullivan, DPM

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