The pain management journey after hallux valgus surgery
Julien Lopez puts every measure in place to optimise the pain management process after the hallux valgus surgery. The goal of the foot and ankle specialist is that the patient feels no pain throughout the care journey. Pain relief treatment is put in place before the onset of the pain in order to anticipate and manage the pain well.
Hallux valgus surgery: pain and solutions
During hallux valgus surgery, pain can deter some patients. Dr Julien Lopez welcomes you to his office in Nice, Cap d'Ail or Mandelieu to explain each stage of the care journey.
Hallux valgus is one of the most common foot pathologies. Over time, this deformation of the big toe can lead to the development of other pathologies that are even more disabling for the patient.
To avoid possible worsening of the condition, it is advisable to have a consultation as soon as possible when the pain appears. Dr. Julien Lopez, a foot and ankle specialist, will be able to guide you to the most suitable treatment according to the progress of the deformation: non-surgical treatments, rehabilitation, orthosis, surgery…
In case of failure of non-surgical treatment, an operation will be advised to completely correct the deformity. The pain experienced deters patients and delays the management of their condition. As part of the hallux valgus operation, post-operative pain has always been known to be quite intense and result in a long and difficult recovery. Julien Lopez has mastered all the techniques necessary to optimise the pain management process at every stage of the care journey: before, during and after the procedure. The goal is that the recovery period is without pain.
Loco-regional anaesthesia and pain management following hallux valgus surgery
In order to manage pain as much as possible following the operation of the hallux valgus, the loco-regional anaesthesia practised by Dr.Julien Lopez became the main anaesthesia for this type of operation. Before the surgery, an ankle block is used to put the patient’s foot to sleep. This type of anaesthesia has a double advantage since it allows to fully sedate the operated limb during the operation, but also to effectively manage post-operative pain. The loco-regional anaesthesia will therefore make it possible to achieve a nerve block during the first 12 to 24 hours following the surgery of the hallux valgus. The objective is thus to interrupt the pain process through the foot being asleep. The awakening of the foot is then very progressive. This anaesthesia avoids the disadvantages associated with general anaesthesia (fatigue, disorientation, etc.). By allowing the operated limb to fall asleep, this technique minimises the risk of complications and optimises recovery.
Hallux valgus: post-operative pain and percutaneous technique
Julien Lopez recommends the use of percutaneous surgery for hallux valgus. The post-operative pain felt by the patient is significantly reduced. The percutaneous technique, or minimally invasive technique, is a much less aggressive surgical method for operated tissues. This significantly reduces the pain felt by patients during the post-operative phase.
In order to perform the procedure, the surgeon makes mini-incisions in the foot. He then uses small instruments inserted through these incisions in order to perform the surgical procedures. Much less invasive than traditional surgery, the percutaneous technique thus brings many advantages:
- Small incisions and scars which are not visible
- Faster recovery
- Decrease in foot pain after hallux valgus surgery
Pain management after hallux valgus surgery with analgesic treatment
In order to best manage pain after hallux valgus surgery, an analgesic treatment is put in place. Once the hallux valgus surgery is complete, the patient will be able to benefit from the effects of local anaesthesia up to 24 hours after the procedure. The objective is to gradually awaken the foot using a treatment of painkillers, once the patient returns to their home.
In order to fight effectively against post-operative pain, the patient will benefit from an oral painkiller treatment that must be started the same evening upon returning home. The patient should take them regularly for 2 to 3 days. It is important to follow the dosage recommended by the doctor. Only the systematic taking of one tablet during each meal will allow a completely effective post-operative pain management.
In rare cases, home infusion treatment will be prescribed for 2-3 days so pain will not be able to settle. Once this step is completed, Dr. Julien Lopez will be able to adapt to each patient by implementing painkiller treatment on a case-by-case basis depending on how their recovery is progressing.
