Laser removal of bunions is a new and progressive way to get rid of the disease. Unlike standard methods of surgical treatment, laser removal has no negative consequences and is considered the safest. The patient is discharged after the operation the very next day, and the full course of rehabilitation and recovery takes no more than two weeks.
Removal of the bunion on the big toe is used at all stages of the disease. The operation is as follows: a laser beam evaporates small layers of bone, which leads to its alignment. To do this, the skin in the area of the bone is cut, and after the procedure is completed, it is restored with a small suture. The entire procedure takes place under local anesthesia. There are three main types of laser surgery, which are used depending on the stage of the disease.
There are no contraindications for laser removal, but before the operation it is recommended to consult a specialist who will conduct a thorough examination and tell you whether laser removal is required or whether other treatment methods are possible.
Like any procedure, laser removal has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that the patient is able to move independently within a couple of hours after the operation. There is also no need to wear a cast. The entire process of laser leg treatment takes no more than an hour. Unlike standard surgical methods, the operation is performed without the use of anesthesia. This procedure has no contraindications and is considered absolutely safe.
The recovery period takes two weeks. During this period, it is necessary to regularly visit an orthopedist, and also use correctors to prevent relapses.
The main disadvantage of this type of treatment is the search for a specialist. Since this procedure is innovative, not all clinics have the necessary equipment and experienced specialists. A positive result depends solely on the surgeon. If he does not have sufficient experience, then there is a risk of relapse. Also, this procedure is not cheap; the average cost is from 35 to 40 thousand rubles.
In the postoperative period, it is very important to undergo a rehabilitation course to prevent relapses. First of all, it is necessary to use orthopedic correctors. For daytime wear you should use:
At night, it is recommended to use a bandage. It relieves tension in the foot and securely fixes the toe while sleeping. Without causing discomfort and relieving pain. To develop the joint, it is recommended to use gymnastics and massage.
Gymnastics for the toes look like this:
To use massage, it is best to consult a specialist. Because incorrect execution technique can lead to complications. The recovery procedure is individual, so follow all the recommendations and instructions of your doctor to prevent complications and relapses.
Laser treatment is rightfully recognized as the safest and most innovative method of getting rid of bunions. This operation is quick and painless. The effectiveness of this type of bunion removal is confirmed by hundreds of thousands of happy people
Laser removal of bunions is a relatively new method of getting rid of hallux valgus. It is not yet very widely known, but positive results and innovative developments promise the development and spread of laser technology in the treatment of hallux valgus. Let's consider the main advantages of this method, its safety and feasibility.
How to remove a bunion with a laser?
Today, traditional surgery is often replaced by the use of laser technology. This is not a thick scalpel that makes a thick cut and damages tissue.
Removing a bunion with a laser will be more effective because:
Treatment of Hallux Valgus with a laser also occurs with minimal blood loss, which ensures rapid recovery of the patient and reduces the rehabilitation period. Any doctor, before suggesting a surgical operation, must notify the person that it is possible to remove a bunion with a laser, as a safer and more effective method.
Valgus can be treated with the laser method at all stages of the disease. Even the most difficult and seemingly hopeless option can be treated. The essence of the operation is simple: a laser beam grinds the protruding bone of the joint, comparing it with the lateral surface of the foot. In this case, the skin is not cut, but incised and stretched to the sides so that a neat suture can then be applied. It turns out that treating bunions with a laser is a very gentle procedure.
The laser beam has a very high temperature, so it essentially vaporizes the bone tissue. Gradual advancement into the bone allows you to control the intensity of grinding so as not to “cut off” excess.
Surgery to remove bunions with a laser is not always resurfacing of the joint.
Depending on the complexity of the valgus, the surgeon may choose one of the following methods:
To make it more clear and understandable what the advantages of one method are over another, let’s summarize the data in a table.
Bunions are the popular name for a hallux valgus deformity of the first toe. The growth itself is called exostosis. The disease is caused by several factors, including flat feet, wearing tight shoes, and congenital deformity. Incorrect placement of the finger leads to the destruction of cartilage tissue, it is replaced by bone, and characteristic outgrowths are formed.
In severe cases, it is impossible to restore the joint using conservative methods. Then the only option is surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon must change the angle between the toe and the foot and restore lost functions to the joint.
In the development of the disease, several stages are distinguished depending on the angle of displacement of the finger. Surgery is only necessary at the very last stage. At this stage, the patient may exhibit the following symptoms:
At previous stages, surgery may be recommended if conservative therapy is ineffective. It is also carried out at the request of the patient for cosmetic purposes. The smaller the angle of deformation, the less tissue needs to be removed. So, at the second stage of the disease, it is possible to excise only the protrusion itself - exostosis, or shortening of the muscle.
The disease is not subject to surgical correction in the following cases:
During bunion surgery, the surgeon should strive to achieve the following results:
The main examination before osteotomy is x-ray. It must be performed in several projections to obtain a complete picture of the deformation. The patient may be asked to hold an object with his finger, which makes it possible to find out the true angle of deviation. Many doctors agree that x-rays are not always enough. Modern clinics also use MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for more accurate diagnosis.
Patients undergo all standard tests before surgery:
Before surgery, patients should take hygienic foot baths for a week. The attending physician will inform you about additional measures and medications.
Access to the bones can be done openly or percutaneously (percutaneous). The first method is a standard incision with a scalpel exposing all tissue and bones. This makes it easier for the surgeon to visually assess the clinical picture and does not have to act blindly. With percutaneous access, all manipulations are performed through small holes.
Currently, more than 200 surgical technologies have been developed. The most universal and frequently used are the following:
Operations involving manipulation of bones can be carried out not only using traditional surgical instruments - a special crowbar, saw, but also through the action of laser radiation.
This type of intervention can be performed on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization) or in a hospital setting. Before surgery, the patient's foot is treated with iodine. Local anesthesia is used in the form of an intraosseous injection of novocaine.
The surgeon makes an incision approximately 5 cm long and sequentially bends all the soft tissue down to the bone. The protrusion is an exostosis, knocked off with a chisel, and the surface is polished. The fabrics are laid in place and sewn up with silk threads. A thick cotton swab is placed between the first and second fingers and fixed with special glue. A splint is applied to the foot.
Anesthesia is performed in the same way. The surgeon makes an incision along the first phalanx and first metatarsal bone. It removes the mucous bursa (the cavity where the joint rubs against the skin) in the area of exostosis. Next, he cuts off the tendon attached to the first phalanx. Using a chisel, he knocks out a wedge-shaped piece in the metatarsal bone and removes it. This helps align the axis of the joint.
The areas of bone remaining after removal are secured together with wire or a plate. After this, the exostosis is cut down. The truncated tendon is shortened and sewn into place. This creates tension, which also helps to fix the bone and align the axis of the joint. The tissues are sutured and plaster is applied to the foot. It must be worn for at least three weeks. This operation has a favorable prognosis, the relapse rate is lower than with the previous technique.
Local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision from the plantar side. The muscle is separated, which is attached at its end to the first phalanx of the finger. It is cut off and shortened. The muscle is no longer sewn to the phalanx, but to the first metatarsal bone.
Truncation of other muscles of the joint is also possible. As a result, under the influence of tension, the joint straightens. The tissues are sutured and a plaster cast is applied for a period of 3 weeks.
Anesthesia is usually also local. The surgeon makes an arcuate incision. He excises tissue and, using a special instrument (the so-called bone spoon), dislocates the bone that is decided to be shortened. Resection (cutting off the problem area) is performed using a saw. The edges of the bone are polished. The tissues are sutured and a splint is applied.
Unlike the Hochman procedure, this type of surgery involves removing more bone . That is why it dislocates and is brought out into the wound. The Wreden-Mayo operation gives good results, and relapses are rare after it. But due to the large extent of resection, disturbances in the supporting functions of the foot are possible.
The operation is performed in conjunction with osteotomy. Doctors consider it most favorable to perform it under local anesthesia. The implant to prevent rejection is made from the patient's tendon. The surgeon makes an incision and excises soft tissue.
He performs an osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, and after removing the wedge-shaped area, an autograft is placed into the cavity. Additional fixation is performed using knitting needles, which must subsequently be removed. One of the tendons is also shortened, which will thus hold the bone in the correct position. After suturing, the foot is plastered for 1-1.5 months.
In Russia, this method has only been used for the last decade, but doctors have already highly appreciated its advantages compared to classical osteotomy. It has the following advantages:
The operation is performed under local or epidural anesthesia (painkiller is injected into the spine). The doctor makes a puncture with a scalpel with a narrow blade. Soft tissues are intersected, creating space for the operation.
The surgeon uses a drill to create a hole in the metatarsal bone of the foot. The most effective is to operate the tool slowly (at low speeds). The hole being formed is periodically irrigated with saline solution. Its diameter is about 2 mm. A needle is inserted into it. On the other side, a knitting needle with a screw with a diameter of 1 mm is inserted. Due to their combined action, the position of the bone changes. The spokes are subsequently removed, leaving the screw for fixation.
If necessary, the bones are shortened: both the metatarsal and the first phalanx of the finger. These manipulations are also performed with a drill.
Sometimes the deformation is so severe that the hole has to be expanded to 10 mm. But in most cases, due to its small size, it is not even necessary to apply stitches. The only thing required is the use of an aseptic dressing for 1-2 days. Typically, an x-ray is taken immediately after the pins are removed.
In this case, the bone is excised using radiation . This allows you to reduce the trauma of the operation and speed up the recovery period. After the operation, no splint or plaster is required.
Within a few hours after the procedure, the patient can leave the clinic, and he is allowed to lean on the operated leg. You can begin to develop your finger 21 days after surgery.
Using a laser instead of a scalpel, drill, or crowbar helps get rid of “bunions” on the foot without unnecessary suffering during rehabilitation. This method is just beginning to be used by Russian doctors, but it will probably soon find wide application.
The rehabilitation time depends on the percentage of tissue removed. If the operation affects only the bones of the metatarsus, immobilization (fixation of the joint) is necessary for 4 weeks (the exception is the laser technique), if the operation involves larger areas - up to 10 weeks. During this period, minimal load on the leg is important. You will have to use crutches, it is advisable to spend most of the time lying down.
After this period, patients should follow the following recommendations for several months (the period is determined by the doctor):
Patients may experience the following unpleasant consequences of osteotomy:
The operation can be performed free of charge according to a quota. A referral for surgical intervention is given by an orthopedist-traumatologist. In this case, you may have to wait for your turn for several months. The type of surgical intervention depends on the equipment of the hospital and the availability of the necessary specialists.
The average cost of surgical intervention starts from 10,000 – 15,000 rubles in the regions and 20,000 rubles in Moscow. The price includes the cost of anesthesia, necessary dressings and consultation with an orthopedist. The use of a laser makes the operation more expensive by 5,000 - 10,000 rubles.
If hospitalization is necessary, the price also increases significantly. Carrying out an operation in the capital with a hospital stay for 4 days will cost about 100,000 rubles.
Important! When receiving paid services, working citizens can claim a refund of 13% of the amount spent.
Many patients are satisfied with the operation. The ability to move painlessly, as well as the beauty of the legs, delight patients. Negative consequences include a long recovery period, loss of ability to work for a month or more, swelling, and discomfort.
In rare cases, surgery can lead to a worsening of the condition - the growth of a “bump” on the leg at an accelerated pace, pain when walking, and even disability. Patients find it difficult to tolerate an unfavorable outcome, especially if the main goal was to achieve a cosmetic effect.
Removing a bunion is not an easy operation. You should decide to carry it out only after identifying the cause of the disease and taking measures to eliminate it. The key to the success of the operation is the professionalism of the doctor, his ability to make the right choice regarding the technique, and to competently develop a rehabilitation program.
A bunion is not only an aesthetic defect, but also causes a lot of inconvenience to its owner. In the early stages of the development of the disease, a protruding lump causes slight discomfort; in the case of advanced variants, it requires surgical intervention.
The types of surgical techniques are varied, the patient can choose the one that suits him best. The surgeon selects the surgical option after determining the stage of the disease and existing concomitant diseases.
Bunion removal surgery is performed to achieve certain results:
Surgical treatment of bunions in the lower extremities has been performed for many years and includes many options. Currently the most popular are:
Treatment involves the possibility of excision of the growth on the lower extremities without extensive abdominal surgery. To carry out the technique, small incisions, no more than 3 mm, are used.
After making two incisions on the big toe, the deformed bone is filed down at certain points using a microscalpel. The specialist aligns the position of the bones, and the joint capsule, compressed due to pathology, opens. The result of the manipulation is a change in the direction of the finger in relation to the foot, eliminating its deformation.
A bunion surgery is a minimally invasive operation that requires highly qualified surgeons and is performed under constant radiographic monitoring. With the help of equipment, the specialist implements the procedure at the required points and constantly adjusts the progress of the intervention. The operation is considered a breakthrough among similar techniques and is characterized by increased cost.
The main advantages of this type of manipulation are:
Rehabilitation after removal of bunions according to this principle does not take a long time; in the postoperative period there is no need for additional fixation of the problem area with plaster or splinting.
The main disadvantage of the technique is the impossibility of its use for grades 2 and 3 lesions. Advanced stage hallux valgus deformity requires serious methods to remove the growth.
Methods for removing a bunion using the reconstruction method have several intervention options. All of them are produced according to a general sequential scheme:
This type of bunion surgery is suitable for any level of injury, regardless of severity. Surgical intervention is highly effective, and relapses occur in rare cases.
The duration of the manipulation varies from half an hour to two hours inclusive and depends on the degree of curvature of the fingers. The postoperative period does not require constant hospitalization; the patient goes home on the same day. The main negative after the intervention is considered to be a long healing period and remaining scars.
Recovery after bunion removal during reconstructive procedures takes about two months. During this period, excessive stress on the lower limbs, tight shoes, wearing high-heeled shoes and running are prohibited. The patient will be able to walk only a few days after the operation.
Laser removal of bunions is one of the newest intervention techniques. It is considered the safest and most effective. When it is used, wound surfaces are automatically disinfected - the beam does not affect nearby tissues, acting exclusively in the affected areas.
Laser removal of bunions is carried out by grinding the protruding surfaces. At this moment, the skin is subjected to small incisions and stretches - for the convenience of applying suture material. Under the influence of high temperatures, the bone evaporates, and the beam moves through problem areas at a minimum speed - to completely control the process.
In some cases, certain laser treatment techniques are required:
Laser bunion removal is one of the recommended interventions. With their help, deformities of any degree of complexity are corrected, after which there is no need for long-term exercise therapy. The next day from the moment of the manipulation, the patient is able to move independently, without improvised means (crutches, etc.).
Observation by an orthopedist is required for the next 14 days after laser treatment.
General provisions include:
Bunions on the toes can be treated with both surgical and conservative methods. Depending on the extent of the damage, the attending physician will choose the most appropriate therapy. Long-term refusal of professional help will lead to a complex course of the disease, which will require reconstructive types of interventions, removal and replacement of one’s own joints.
A bunion on the little toe, like on the other fingers, requires immediate attention to a local orthopedist. Delay risks surgical intervention and a long rehabilitation period.
“Bunions” on the feet - a disease known as “hallux valgus” or hallux valgus - develops in stages: at first the big toe deviates slightly to the side, over time the foot becomes more and more deformed, and the “bump” on the foot becomes more and more noticeable. Because of the large bump, it becomes difficult to choose shoes, you feel pain when walking, and your legs get tired quickly.
Foot surgery can restore the beauty of your feet, the ability to walk without pain, and to wear your favorite shoes. Today, there are many known methods of surgical intervention; the cost of surgery to remove bunions directly depends on the type of surgery.
The most commonly used are the following:
The choice of the operation necessary in each specific case is up to the doctor. The specialist makes conclusions based on a visual examination of the patient, as well as the results of the x-ray. You should completely trust the specialist’s prescriptions, since often surgery to remove bunions is the only way to get rid of the disease.
Before any operation, the foot is checked for the absence of inflammatory processes in the tissues and joints. If there are any, then the operation is postponed until the inflammation is completely eliminated. And, if the patient has poor blood clotting, the operation may be canceled altogether - this is considered a serious contraindication.
Unfortunately, surgery is not always a guarantee of getting rid of the bone forever; according to statistics, relapse occurs in 30% of cases. Therefore, it is important not only to decide on surgery, but also to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions after surgery.
The patient needs to recover for some time after the operation. Typically the recovery period lasts from 2 weeks to 6 months.
What can happen in the postoperative period?
Operations performed with a surgical laser are also relevant for the treatment of hallux valgus. This is not the most well-known method of getting rid of bunions today, but over the years it has gained recognition among surgeons and their patients.
Laser bunion removal surgery has a number of advantages over traditional surgery:
The price of surgery to remove bunions with a laser starts from 30,000 rubles. Of course, such a serious problem should only be addressed to clinics with a good reputation and a highly professional staff of doctors.
Deformation of the toes when they bend down and their joints begin to protrude, so called.
Chinese medicine is a well-known brand today. Simple, proven treatment methods help.
Hallux valgus is the name of the well-known “bones” and “bumps” on the big toe.
Bunions are a fairly common disease caused by a deformity of the big toe. When a bone forms, patients experience severe pain accompanied by swelling and inflammation. This causes deformation of the big toe. There are two main methods of treating bunions in the legs: a conservative method (medication, physiotherapy) and surgical treatment of the bunions. Also, in the early stages, the use of traditional methods of treatment is not excluded.
Treatment of bunions with medication is used in the early and middle stages of the disease. First of all, the patient must be relieved of pain. For this purpose, non-narcotic analgesics are used (ibuprofen, ketones, dexalgin, bolran, tempalgin). To cure a bunion, hormonal non-steroidal drugs (diprospan or hydrocartisone) are injected into the joint, together with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs:
To increase the effectiveness of the drug treatment method, it is used in combination with physiotherapy and massage. It is also recommended to use orthopedic correctors to neutralize finger deformation.
A physiotherapeutic treatment method is a set of procedures designed to alleviate the patient’s general condition and speed up the recovery process. When using this treatment method, the following procedures are used:
Another integral element of physiotherapy is gymnastics. The use of which is intended for joint development and disease prevention. Gymnastics is applied as follows:
To consolidate the effect of physiotherapy, it is recommended to use orthopedic corrective devices.
Surgical treatment is used in severe stages of the disease, when it seems possible to get rid of the bunion on the big toe using conventional means.
There are two main types of operations: laser removal and surgery.
Laser removal of bunions on the toes is the safest and most painless treatment method. Removal occurs by evaporating the growth with a laser. After the operation, the patient is discharged the next day. The general course of rehabilitation and recovery takes two weeks.
Surgical intervention involves removing the deformed part of the bone and fusing the remaining parts using special fixators. These fixatives are made of a special organic material, due to which they dissolve and independently leave the body without additional intervention. The rehabilitation course for this method is much higher and takes from two months to six months. Surgical treatment is contraindicated for people suffering from:
In the postoperative period, to avoid re-formation of the bone and speed up the process of joint recovery, follow all instructions from your doctor regarding rehabilitation measures.
Treatment with traditional methods has its use in the early stages of the disease and for prevention. Recommended as an addition to conservative treatment methods. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce discomfort when walking. The effect is achieved due to the healing properties of natural products that form the basis of the treatment.
Salty foot baths have an anti-inflammatory effect. The procedure lasts fifteen minutes once a day, for two weeks. Dissolve seventy grams of salt in three liters of warm water. It is not recommended to use crushed salt ("extra") due to the loss of many healing qualities during processing. After completing the course, it can be repeated after a week break.
An ointment based on chicken eggs will relieve inflammation and pain. To prepare the ointment, pour vinegar into the egg and leave for two weeks (until the shell is completely dissolved). When the egg is ready, take it out and stir with a tablespoon of lard and ten grams of turpentine until smooth. Apply the ointment before going to bed. To improve the healing effect, you can alternate with iodine nets.
Honey also has healing effects. It can be used as an ointment or as a compress. As an ointment, honey, preheated to body temperature, is simply rubbed into the affected area. The compress is applied at night. To make it you will need an alcohol tincture of propolis. Soak the gauze in the tincture and apply it to the sore spot, then wrap it in polyethylene and put a wool sock on top.
To treat potato peelings, fill them with a small amount of water and boil for fifteen minutes. Add warm water to the resulting broth and lower your feet. You should steam your feet for at least thirty minutes, after which cover your feet with a warm blanket. After the procedure, apply the boiled husk to the bone for 15-20 minutes. After two weeks of therapy, the pain will go away and the bone will begin to shrink.
To improve overall well-being, it is recommended to use tinctures and decoctions of medicinal herbs (sage, chamomile, ginger root, calendula).
Orthopedic remedies for bunions are used to reduce the load on the joint and adjust it. There are two types of funds:
Orthopedic drugs are prescribed for all treatment methods as a corrective and preventive agent.
Prevention of bunions occurs by following these recommendations:
A bunion appears gradually and is the result of a long process. To prevent the development of the disease, consult a specialist when the first symptoms appear. Advance treatment in the early stages proceeds quickly and does not bring unnecessary discomfort.
Varicose veins are a serious disease, the treatment of which is carried out not only by traditional, but also by surgical methods. Performing laser surgery on leg veins is the optimal solution in an advanced stage of the disease or if medications are ineffective. The use of a laser minimizes the risk of complications and also ensures faster recovery after the procedure.
If there are varicose veins of the lower extremities, the patient is prescribed traditional therapy, including ointments, creams and various tablets. But in some cases, radical treatment methods will be required.
The use of laser varicose vein removal is used to treat varicose veins. This allows you to normalize blood circulation in the vessels, as well as eliminate unpleasant symptoms, including unaesthetic bloating of the veins. If the procedure is carried out at the initial stage of the disease, then it will be possible to completely solve the problem and get rid of the pathological condition forever.
The main indications for laser vein surgery include:
Removing leg veins is the most effective treatment for varicose veins. However, there are also contraindications for this procedure. The main factors that prevent laser surgery include:
If there are no contraindications to the operation, an experienced specialist will be able to quickly eliminate the pathology to return the patient to normal life without pain.
Modern equipment allows you to remove varicose veins with minimal trauma and the risk of complications. In addition, the procedure does not require a long stay in the hospital. In addition, it is possible to minimize the risk of scars and cicatrices. After laser surgery, the risk of re-development of the pathology is reduced.
In addition, laser vein removal has a number of other advantages:
An important advantage of laser vein surgery is that there is no need for special preparatory measures. Only a standard examination is required, including:
Before the operation begins, the doctor performs an ultrasound, with the help of which he notes the ducts dilated by varicose veins. The patient is also given a sedative to relieve fear and tension.
A laser leg vein removal session takes 15–30 minutes. The patient is put on a mask over his eyes to protect the retina from the rays. The area of the leg that will be exposed to the laser is pre-treated with an antiseptic.
After this, the phlebologist uses a special device to direct the laser beam to certain areas of the lower extremities. An incision is first made in the skin. Laser radiation accelerates the healing process of blood vessels, so recovery occurs faster.
This procedure is practically painless. The patient only feels slight pressure, numbness and a prick. The most unpleasant stage of the procedure is the insertion of the catheter. Removing the veins of the lower extremities does not cause discomfort.
Treating leg veins may require multiple treatments. The doctor assesses the degree of vasodilatation, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. The required number of operations is determined after an ultrasound and examination of the veins by a phlebologist. The procedures are carried out with a break of 3–4 weeks. The use of laser surgery can not only cure enlarged veins, but also prevent the occurrence of pathology in the future.
Although laser removal of varicose veins on the legs is safe, complications may occur in rare cases. Hematomas sometimes occur in the area of laser exposure. Blood may ooze from the incisions due to the close proximity of the ducts of other veins. A few days after laser surgery, body temperature may increase. This is the result of inflammation of the blood pooling under the skin. In this case, lumps that are painful to the touch may form. The skin underneath becomes red. This means that an inflammatory process is developing. In this case, you should immediately visit a doctor. In case of acute inflammation, hospitalization will be required.
Other common complications after surgery include the following:
In order for laser vein surgery to be effective, proper post-operative care is important. It will help not only prevent dangerous complications, but also protect against recurrence of the disease.
Postoperative care should include the following:
Varicose veins are a disease that requires a serious and careful approach. The safest treatment method is laser vein surgery. Before the procedure, you should consult with your doctor and follow all postoperative care recommendations.