Bunion Surgery
This page will provide you with information about bunion surgery. For further details, please speak to your consultant.
What are bunions?
Bunions are hard lumps associated with the big toe joint nearest to the foot. Sometimes bunion sufferers also have arthritis in the same joint. The development of bunions is often associated with wearing ill-fitting shoes that do not allow enough room for the toes.
Figure 1
Bunion on the left foot
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What are the benefits of surgery?
The main benefit of surgery is the straightening of the big toe, allowing footwear to fit more comfortably.
What are the alternatives to surgery?
Wearing carefully selected footwear will make the bunion more bearable, however the problem can only be corrected surgically.
What will happen during the operation?
An operation usually takes less than an hour. Your surgeon will adjust the tightness of the ligaments to realign the toes. There are various anaesthetics, which will be discussed with you.
Risks and complications
Any risks or complications will be discussed in advance of your treatment with your expert consultant.
Recovery
Most patients can return home the same day or the day after surgery.
The affected leg should be elevated for a period of one week after surgery to allow the swelling to settle.
Your surgeon may decide to put your operated leg in a plaster cast for a few weeks and it is likely that you will require a walking aid such as elbow crutches to assist you until the pain and swelling subsides.
You may continue to exercise regularly in order to facilitate recovery, but consult your GP or healthcare team before you begin exercising.
You will be able to wear normal, soft footwear after the swelling goes down. This is likely to happen approximately six weeks after the operation.
Summary
If you find that a bunion is causing you discomfort, surgery should result in a straighter big toe. You should also be able to wear normal shoes more comfortably after surgery.
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Bunion Surgery Consultants
Qualifications
MRCS, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
All aspects of foot and ankle surgery
Sports injuries
Ankle sprain’s
Morton’s neuroma
Achilles tendon dysfunction
Plantar...
Qualifications
MRCS, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
All aspects of foot and ankle surgery
Sports injuries
Ankle sprain’s
Morton’s neuroma
Achilles tendon dysfunction
Plantar...
Qualifications
FRCS (Tr + Orth)
Clinical Interests
Having set up the foot and ankle unit at St George’s, Mr Nielsen sees referrals from across the region. He also...
Qualifications
FRCS (Tr + Orth)
Clinical Interests
Having set up the foot and ankle unit at St George’s, Mr Nielsen sees referrals from across the region. He also...
Qualifications
MBBS, M Ch, FRCS, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Mr Ramesh specialises in foot and ankle problems including bunions, hammer toes, neuroma, mid foot pathology, sports...
Qualifications
MBBS, M Ch, FRCS, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Mr Ramesh specialises in foot and ankle problems including bunions, hammer toes, neuroma, mid foot pathology, sports...
Qualifications
FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Clinical Interests
Mr Matthew Solan is a Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Wimbledon Clinics for both adults and children....
Qualifications
FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Clinical Interests
Mr Matthew Solan is a Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Wimbledon Clinics for both adults and children....
