Bunion surgery is done to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe.
How Much Does Bunion Surgery Cost In South Africa
The procedure depends on the shape and size of the bunion, among other factors, and these will also determine the cost. But a rough estimate is between R30 000 and R40 000 for the procedure and theatre costs at a private hospital.
What happens if a bunion is left untreated?
If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage.
Bunions may cause the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate.
While bunions can be remedied through surgery, arthritis and the possibility of chronic pain are not curable.
How painful is bunion surgery?
No, the surgery itself isn’t painful. A local anesthetic will be used to numb your foot so you don’t feel pain.
You will also be given a sedative to help make you more comfortable.
What can I expect after bunion surgery?
You will have pain and swelling that slowly improves in the 6 weeks after surgery.
You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year.
After surgery, you will need to wear a cast or a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for at least 3 to 6 weeks.
Is it worth getting bunion surgery?
If a bunion is not painful, surgery is not usually recommended.
Bunions often get worse over time, but surgery is not recommended to prevent bunions from worsening, and oftentimes, proper footwear and other preventive care can slow down the progression of a bunion.
Can I walk after bunion surgery?
In many cases, walking after bunion surgery means patients can get around but not run around.
Patients are generally walking in a surgical shoe and usually keep weight on the heel or outer edge of the foot.
Some are able to get back to work soon after surgery, especially when their jobs are more sedentary.