Bunions by the Numbers
A bunion is a bump that appears on the foot between the first and second joint on the big toe. Bunions are classified as a deformity of the foot and can be quite painful.
Salt Lake City bunion surgery may be required if the foot pain isn’t reduced by other methods of treatment and lifestyle changes.
Read on to learn about bunions and Salt Lake City bunion removal.
1 in 51: The likelihood of experiencing a bunion
Bunions are relatively common in adults. People in occupations that require a high level of standing and walking are more likely to get bunions.
1 hours: Average length of bunion removal surgery
Most bunion removal surgeries are over quickly. In most cases, you will not need to receive general or spinal anesthesia during your bunion surgery. Bunion removal commonly requires only an ankle block. This means your foot will be numb, but you will be awake the entire time.
10%: The likelihood of complications after bunion removal surgery
After going home, fewer than ten percent of patients have complications from Salt Lake City bunion removal.
2 weeks: How long you will have to wear a surgical boot
The first two weeks after your bunion surgery, you will be wearing a surgical boot or a cast to protect your foot. You will also need to be careful not to get your foot wet. After the boot is no longer needed, your foot will need to be in a brace for support.
6 to 8 weeks: The time it takes to recover completely from bunion surgery
After Salt Lake City bunion removal surgery, you will need to be on crutches to avoid any weight bearing on the foot. Once your foot beings to heal, you can begin to put weight on it.
10 times: The number of women who have bunions compared to men
Women are 10 times more likely to get bunions than men. When women continually wear shoes that pinch their feet or are narrower at the toes can trigger a bunion, but they are not the cause of the bunion. High heels can also make bunions more uncomfortable, because the shoes angle the body’s weight forward.
4: Ways to ease bunion pain
- Roomy Shoes
Choosing shoes that do not put pressure on the foot will relieve some bunion pain. Shoes that do not fight right (they can either be too small or too tight) will only make the pain worse. Wide instep shoes with soft soles are ideal for bunion sufferers. - Protective Patches
Applying a soft patch to the bunion before putting on shoes will protect the foot from unwanted pressure. - Ice
Inflammation will only make your bunion look and feel worse. Taking the time to ice the area will take some pressure off of the damaged joint. Since standing for long periods of time makes bunions worse, this will also remind you to take it easy. After bunion removal surgery, you will also need to ice the joint, so this will be a good habit if you are considering having the bunion surgically removed. - Talk to a Doc
If you are having trouble walking and experience pain on a daily basis, speaking to a professional is the best option to ease the pain. There are several different options available to you that your doctor will consider after examining the bunion.