Bunion Removal Surgery

Before you are recommended a bunion osteotomy, you’ll have an initial consultation with either an orthopaedic or podiatric surgeon.

Diagnosing a bunion typically involves a thorough physical examination of the foot and ankle. Your doctor will assess the alignment of the bones, and often X-rays are requested to get a clearer picture of the condition. They will also inquire about your medical history and symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.

Bunion surgery is usually advised when a bunion (hallux valgus) becomes painful, interferes with walking, or significantly affects foot function, especially if non-surgical treatments haven’t worked. Your surgeon will discuss surgical options, which are based on the severity of the bunion and your individual circumstances, such as social and work factors.

It is important that you are able to rest following the surgery and that you have sufficient home support, as the amount of time that you can stand and walk will be limited. It is important that these factors are taken into consideration to reduce post-operative pain, swelling and the development of complications.

Ensure that you have the correct footwear arranged for when you go home. Wearing shoes may be difficult during the initial recovery period.

Generally, a bunion operation takes approximately one hour to complete; however, certain procedures can be more complex and may take slightly longer. The length of the procedure depends on the bunion procedure itself, as well as any associated procedures required, such as a hammertoe correction or pain management at the ball of the foot associated with the second toe.

Depending on the bunion, the procedure can be performed through a minimally invasive or a slightly longer incision (open surgery). In minimally invasive surgery, a small incision is made near the big toe joint. Through this incision, the surgeon cuts and realigns the bones of the big toe joint. metal screws are used to hold the bones in the corrected position whilst they heal.

Bunion surgery can provide major relief. For many people, it significantly reduces pain and swelling, improves mobility, and enhances overall quality of life.

Post-surgery recovery

Immediately after your bunion surgery, your surgeon will go over some important recovery guidelines. You’ll be advised to keep your leg elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling and to keep the      incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection. It’s important to avoid wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, including high heels, for some time. If you notice any unusual pain, if the toe joint no longer stays straight, or if you spot another bony bump forming, you should contact your surgeon.

Bone healing is a critical part of the recovery process. Following all post-operative instructions carefully can help prevent delayed healing. While the goal of surgery is to correct the bunion and realign the toe, there is still a chance the bunion could return, especially if the initial correction wasn’t sufficient or if aftercare instructions aren’t followed.

At home, sticking to your recovery plan is essential. This means plenty of rest, monitoring any pain or swelling in the toe joint, and avoiding unnecessary strain on your foot. Following surgery, the foot will be painful for the first 24 to 48 hours, and there can be discomfort for the first few weeks. The good news is that patients can go home the same day and begin healing right away.

It may take several weeks before swelling and discomfort completely subside. Being patient during this time is key—don’t rush your recovery. The first few weeks are especially important, and keeping your foot elevated and following advice on how much weight you can safely bear will support proper healing. Most people can start walking and return to regular footwear around two weeks after surgery.

While the goal is long-term pain relief and improved foot function, it’s also important to be aware of potential complications. In rare cases, risks may include infection, nerve damage, persistent swelling, or arthritis in the joint. A small number of patients may experience a recurrence of the bunion.

To minimise these risks, it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. This may include wearing a protective boot or shoe, taking prescribed medication, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure the foot is healing as expected.

Preventing bunion recurrence

While surgery can effectively correct the deformity, it doesn’t guarantee that the bunion won’t come back. There are several ways to reduce the chance of recurrence. Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box and low heels helps reduce pressure on the big toe joint. Avoid high heels and tight shoes that could aggravate the area.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as it reduces strain on your feet. It’s also wise to vary your activities and take breaks to avoid repetitive stress on the joints. By staying mindful of these habits, you can enjoy long-term relief and help keep bunions from returning.