Treating Chronic Pain After Bunion Surgery

scar on foot after bunion surgery | Baltimore Peripheral Nerve Surgeon

If you had bunion surgery and are experiencing pain after the normal recovery period, you may need revision surgery to correct an issue such as nerve damage. You do not have to live with post-surgical pain when a peripheral nerve specialist can help treat your pain and have you return to living life without discomfort.

Risks of Bunion Surgery

Every surgery comes with risks. Bunion surgery is no exception. Before surgery, have your surgeon discuss any possible complications. Some risks associated with bunion surgery include:

  • Nerve damage
  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Numbness
  • Stiffness
  • Blood clots
  • Delay in healing
  • Recurrence of the bunion
  • Continued pain
  • Over-correction of the big toe

Recovering From Surgery

After bunion surgery, you may be advised to wear a brace or support on your foot for six to eight weeks and be told to refrain from driving for a week or longer. In addition, physical therapy may be needed to help strengthen the foot and regain range of motion. There may be other restrictions, such as not wearing shoes that are tight or have a high heel. After six weeks, you will be able to put weight on the foot and wear your own shoes. The goal of surgery is to be pain-free and regain function.

It is common to experience some swelling and discharge from the surgical site. Pain may be present but should not last beyond the normal recovery period. There are certain signs that the pain may be due to nerve damage, such as:

  • Sharp or shooting pain
  • Electric sensation
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning
  • Feeling of walking on a rock
  • Weakness in the foot along with the pain

Treating Chronic Pain After Bunion Surgery

If your pain does not diminish after bunion surgery, or it becomes more intense, you should consult with a nerve specialist who can determine the cause of your pain and recommend treatment based on your specific needs. In some cases, revision surgery may be needed. This type of surgery is done to correct any issues that the original surgery may have caused, such as damage to a peripheral nerve.

Dr. Williams has had success in treating patients who experience post-surgical chronic pain. In one case, a patient suffered from chronic pain after bunion surgery for many years and experienced severe pain from contact with things as soft as bedsheets and water. She finally found relief after Dr. Williams performed a nerve procedure to resolve the complex issues that caused her pain. She is now living pain-free and enjoys doing the activities she could not do due to the pain.

Contact a Post-Surgical Pain Specialist Today!

If you are experiencing chronic pain after having bunion surgery, contact Dr. Williams for a consultation. Dr. Williams can design a treatment plan to fit your specific needs that can help relieve chronic pain and discomfort so you can get back to enjoying your daily activities. To schedule an appointment in the Baltimore office, contact us at (410) 709-3868 or fill out our contact form online.

Eric H. Williams MD
Specializing in reconstructive surgery and pain relief in the Greater Baltimore area.
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