Be Back on Your Feet in Days After Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Dec 17, 2024
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Bunions affect about 20% of people. If you’re one of those, you might wonder if surgery is worth it. The good news is that you don’t need to deal with traditional open surgery.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques can be used to correct bunions — and we provide this option at NYC Foot & Ankle Center in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is a game-changer for anyone struggling with the discomfort and limitations caused by a bunion. Unlike traditional surgery, which often requires large incisions and lengthy recovery times, minimally invasive techniques use tiny incisions and advanced tools to correct the misalignment in your big toe.
This approach not only speeds up healing, but it also means you can be back on your feet in just days! Here, our team of providers highlights the many benefits of choosing minimally invasive surgery for your bunion.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is performed through small incisions, typically under local anesthesia, so you’ll stay comfortable throughout the entire surgery.
Your board-certified surgeon here at NYC Foot & Ankle Center uses specialized instruments to remove or realign the bone, tissue, and ligaments that contribute to your bunion growth without disrupting surrounding structures.
In most cases, you don’t need sutures (stitches) to close the wound. That can be accomplished with surgical glue or special strips. This means you won't have to care for a large incision or worry about sutures.
Because of this precision and the lack of sutures, most patients experience less trauma to their foot and a faster, smoother recovery. Win-win!
A faster recovery with less pain, less bleeding, and less swelling seems too good to be true, but these are exactly the main advantages of minimally invasive surgery.
After minimally invasive bunion surgery, you can gradually return to your normal activities within a few weeks. Regardless of the type of surgical technique used, it still takes a few weeks for your bones to heal, but minimally invasive techniques allow for improved early post-operative range of motion.
Keep in mind that while every recovery journey is unique, most people experience minimal pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication and ice packs.
Minimally invasive surgery lets you get back on your feet in just a few days, but that’s just one of many benefits. Other reasons to love minimally invasive surgery include:
Both minimally invasive surgery and traditional surgery lead to long-lasting results because your bones are properly realigned.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery typically yields a faster recovery, but there are things you can do to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
Our team provides specific-to-you post-operative instructions regarding movement limitations and guidance with pain management.
Depending on the type of bunion surgery performed, some patients can bear some weight on their foot the day of the procedure. If this is true for your surgery, you’ll be provided with a special shoe or boot to protect your foot.
Stick to any weight-bearing and movement guidelines. Don’t push yourself!
Some swelling is normal after surgery, but you can reduce swelling by elevating your foot and applying ice packs regularly. Never place an ice pack directly on your skin; instead, keep a cloth between your skin and the cold compress.
After your bunion surgery, wear cushioned, supportive shoes. The best shoes for bunions are flat shoes (no heel) with a wide toe box.
If you’re tired of dealing with the pain of bunions, schedule a consultation at NYC Foot & Ankle Center to find out if minimally invasive bunion surgery is right for you. Contact us today to get started. Help is just a call or click away.