Question
Hello Dr. Katz,

I had bunion surgery on 11/7/07.  My doctor said my condition wasn't that bad but bad enough to have surgery.  Surgery went well along with my healing just fine.  I kept having swelling around my big toe and foot pad area.  So he sent me to therapy.  Then after therapy it wasnt any better so he sent me to water therapy and swelling was persistant.  I went back to him again and recommended that I have my hardware removed.  On April the 18th, I had my screws removed and I still have horrible swelling around big toe and foot pad by the big toe.  Do I have a reason to be frustrated?  I just don't seemed to be getting any better.  I have another appt. with him on 6/9. Please tell me what you think.

Answer
Hi Sarah,

I only recommend bunion surgery if my patient is having severe ongoing pain or disability.  The procedure is an elective procedure and you are the one that has to make the decision to move forward with the surgery after being informed.

When having any type of surgery you run the risk of having possible side effects from the procedure even if all was done perfectly.  I would imagine that you went through the pros and cons of the procedure, etc.  

It has been a while and I understand your frustration.  Many patients would be healed by this time.

You may want to seek a second opinion, having another pair of eyes take a look is always helpful.  

In some cases it may just take longer to heal especially with the screws being removed recently.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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