Dr. Eman Elmi at Diablo Foot and Ankle specializes in repairing bunions. Diablo is an expert in the miniBunion Procedure, a minimally invasive surgery designed to be more effective, decrease pain, and decrease recovery time after surgery. With a smaller incision than traditional bunion surgery, patients are back on their feet faster and with less pain.

Recovering from Bunion Surgery

Open foot surgery

The traditional surgery technique for a bunion is called open foot surgery. The procedure involves one or more incisions into the toe or foot, cutting the bone to realign it, and then using screws or plates.

Open foot surgery requires one of the longest bunions surgery recovery periods - about six to eight weeks. There’s also a longer period of rehab, usually a few more months, to work back to full strength.

Minimally invasive surgery

This newer surgical technique is a little more than 20 years old. The new technology gives a better outcome with an incision two to four times smaller than older procedures. There is a shorter recovery time post-surgery as well.

The miniBunion procedure is a minimally invasive surgery. It is better for the surrounding tissue on the foot or toe. A smaller surgery site also means a decreased chance of infection or other complications and a smaller scar.

The miniBunion procedure that Diablo Foot and Ankle uses needs a small incision on the side of the foot. The area, typically the joint of the big toe, is realigned using a micro-sized implant. The incision is closed with stitches.

With minimally invasive bunion surgery, some patients are okay to walk out of the operating room. Patients can go back to their normal lives much quicker. It can be as soon as later the same day.

Contrast in Bunion Surgery Types

With open foot surgery, being off your feet for weeks and having the total process last months is the norm. Patients have to keep their foot elevated. They have stitches, then a follow-up appointment to remove the stitches and check the surgery site. Risks and side effects can include poor circulation and complications to the physical rehab.

Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, does not even need fasting before surgery. No anesthesia or intubation is used during the procedure. Patients still might need to wear a boot after surgery. They might need to ice the area and watch for inflammation or swelling for up to a few weeks. Studies have found that 95% of patients report minimally invasive surgery had a positive outcome, from satisfactory to very good.

No matter the procedure, care afterward is important so your toes and foot heal properly. No one wants to go through bunion surgery only to have pain and discomfort return or be even worse.

Diablo Foot & Ankle

Learn more about foot and ankle injuries at Diablo Foot & Ankle. Our specialists know the importance of quality, caring treatment for your feet and ankles. For more of Dr. Elmi’s and Diablo’s expertise, visit our website. Give us a call today at (925) 464-1982 to set up an appointment in Oakland, Walnut Creek, or Antioch. We are here to help!

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