Bunion surgery

During bunion surgery, the surgeon removes the enlarged part of the bone. He shifts the bones in Your foot back into the right place. Sometimes the physician has to reposition the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joint. The extent of the operation depends on the severity of Your bunion. The main goal of the procedure is to relieve You from the pain caused by the hallux valgus. This surgery is not a cosmetic one. Instead, it has a therapeutic effect and is supposed to make Your life easier.

What Outcomes Can Be Expected?

Properly planned surgery may contribute to:

• reduced pain and irritation around the big toe,

• improved alignment of the big toe,

• easier walking and footwear selection,

• improved forefoot function,

• greater freedom during everyday activities.

Improvement develops gradually as the bone and soft tissues heal. The foot may not regain a perfectly straight or ideal shape, and the final outcome depends on the deformity, surgical technique, healing process, and adherence to postoperative instructions.

Preparation includes an orthopedic consultation, a physical examination, and imaging, usually weight-bearing X-rays of the foot. The surgeon evaluates the deformity, discusses the planned procedure, and explains postoperative recommendations.

Before surgery, the patient may be asked to:

• complete the required laboratory tests and additional consultations,

• provide a complete list of medications and supplements,

• discuss medications that affect blood clotting with the physician,

• undergo an anesthesiology consultation,

• prepare postoperative footwear or walking aids if recommended,

• reduce or stop smoking because nicotine may interfere with wound and bone healing.

Detailed instructions, including fasting requirements, are provided by the medical team. Patients should not discontinue any medication without medical advice.

After surgery, the foot is protected with a dressing, and special postoperative footwear is often required. The permitted level of weight-bearing depends on the procedure and fixation method. During the first days, rest, elevation of the limb, and prescribed medication are important.

Follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to assess the wound and bone healing. Swelling may persist for several months, so the return to regular shoes, driving, work, and sports is determined individually. Increasing weight-bearing too quickly may delay healing.

A personalized physical therapy program may support the recovery of big-toe mobility, muscle strength, and a more natural gait pattern. KCM Clinic patients receive a 10% discount on postoperative rehabilitation or physical therapy.

Bunion surgery may be considered in patients with:

• persistent or increasing pain in the big toe or forefoot,

• progressive hallux valgus deformity,

• pain and skin irritation over the prominence,

• difficulty walking or performing everyday activities,

• difficulty finding comfortable footwear,

• overlapping toes or accompanying deformities of the lesser toes,

• insufficient improvement after conservative treatment.

Surgery is not recommended solely because of the appearance of the foot. Symptoms and functional limitations are the main considerations, and final qualification is made by an orthopedic surgeon.

Good to Know

Bunion surgery is not performed solely for cosmetic reasons. Its purpose is to reduce symptoms and improve foot function. The correction method, fixation, and pace of return to weight-bearing are selected individually. Full improvement may take several months, and following instructions concerning postoperative footwear, follow-up visits, and physical therapy is important for recovery.