A bunion develops as a result of a foot deformity. A bunion is made up of bone and soft tissue and generally occurs when the big toe leans toward the second toe, creating a bony growth on the side of the big toe, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Bunions can be caused by wearing poorly fitted shoes, arthritis or polio. Bunion surgery repairs the deformity by removing excess bone in the joint area. While complications are rare, they can include infection, nerve damage and pain.
Chronic Pain
A common complication of bunion surgery is prolonged and chronic pain. Some pain following bunion surgery is normal, but chronic pain that continues long after the surgery may signal a condition called chronic pain syndrome, according to the website NHS Choices. Chronic pain syndrome occurs when the nerves fail to turn off the pain signals in the foot following the surgery. In addition, some people may experience pain in other parts of the joint as a result of the weight being transferred from the big toe to other parts of the foot.
Stiffness and Weakness
People can experience stiffness and weakness following bunion surgery, according to Progressive Podiatry of North Jersey. Some people may experience a decrease in joint mobility in their big toe as a result of scar tissue formation that restricts movement. Health.com states that bunion surgery can trigger a degenerative joint disease that restricts motion or a condition called avascular necrosis that blocks blood supply to the bone.
Infection
Infection is a rare but serious complication of bunion surgery, according to Healthopedia.com. During or immediately following bunion surgery, bacteria can enter the wound site and infect the soft tissue and joints surrounding the big toe, according to Health.com. A person who develops an infection following bunion surgery may experience fever, chills, redness around the dressing, increased pain, drainage or increased swelling in the calf above the treated foot. In addition, people with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may have an increased risk of developing an infection as a result of a low immune system.
Decreased Feeling
Decreased feeling or sensation can occur following bunion surgery. Some people report numbness or tingling following the surgery while others report burning in the toe that stems from damaged nerves. The Tagoe Clinic in the United Kingdom states foot sensations usually return fairly quickly, but in some rare cases it can take up to a year for normal feeling to return in the toe and foot.
