Private bunion removal surgery

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony lump on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe. The most common cause of bunions is footwear that does not have enough width to fit your toes in their natural position. They are sometimes associated with arthritis of the joint at the base of your big toe but many people with bunions have no underlying joint problems.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Your big toe should be straighter, so your foot should fit more comfortably in a normal shoe.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Putting padding over the bunion or a spacer between your big toe and second toe can help give you relief from the pain caused by the bunion rubbing. Using wide-fitting shoes from a good-quality shoe shop may be enough. If not, the orthotics (surgical appliances) department at the hospital will be able to give you advice about special shoes.

What does the procedure involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your surgeon will discuss with you which of the following procedures the operation is likely to involve.

Removing the bunion.
Releasing the tight ligaments and tightening stretched ligaments.
Cutting and realigning the bones of your big toe.
Stiffening a joint.
Straightening one or more of your toes.

What complications can happen?

Like all surgical procedures, there are some complications that can be serious and can even cause death. Please bear in mind the general and specific complications regarding this type of operation.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung
Difficulty passing urine

Specific complications of this operation

Damage to nerves
Problems with bone healing
Loss of movement in your big toe
Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your foot
Pain in the ball of your foot
The deformity coming back

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. Spend most of the time during the first week with your leg raised so that the swelling settles. It can take 6 weeks or longer before the swelling has gone down enough for you to wear a normal soft shoe.

With regular exercise, it should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. The swelling often takes up to 6 months to go down completely.

Summary

If you have a bunion that is causing pressure and pain, surgery should straighten your big toe and make your foot fit more comfortably into a normal shoe. To find out more, call us on 0808 101 0337.

Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)

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