Bunion (Hallux Valgus) Repair

Bunions are bony lumps which form on the foot causing pain, discomfort and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.

At The Precision Clinic are specialist clinicians can offer you treatment plans in our purpose built community based centres. We can offer faster access to treatment with shorter waiting times to start your journey to managing and treating your bunions.

What Are Bunions?

Bunions can form at the base of the big toe or on the side of the foot. If the big toe shifts out of place, it can lean towards the other toes forcing the joint to stick out.
A bunion is a bony lump that forms on the side of the foot, at the base of the big toe.

Common symptoms of bunions include:

Lumps which are visible on the side of the foot
Tenderness or pain around the big toe joint
Redness or swelling
Difficulty wearing shoes due to pressure on the bunion.
Stiffness or limited movement in the big toe.

If left untreated, bunions can worsen over time, causing more pain and potentially leading to other foot problems, such as corns, calluses, or arthritis in the affected joint.

What Causes Bunions?

Genetics: A family history of bunions increases your risk.
Foot structure: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal foot mechanics can contribute.
Ill-fitting footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can put pressure on the toes and worsen the condition.
Medical conditions: Arthritis and other joint disorders may increase the likelihood of bunions.

How Are Bunions Treated?

At The Precision Clinic, our consultants will discuss with you the available treatment options and help you choose the treatment options which works best for you and you and your recovery goal.

The treatment recomended will depend on your medical history, the severity of your bunion(s) and the impact they are having on your daily life.

Non-Surgical Options

For milder cases, non-surgical treatments can help relieve pain and slow the progression of the bunion. These include:

Wearing wider, supportive shoes: Avoiding shoes that squeeze or put pressure on your toes.
Padding or taping: This can protect the bunion from rubbing against shoes and improve alignment.
Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts can be designed to help redistribute pressure and improve foot mechanics.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter medications or ice packs can reduce pain and swelling.

Surgical Options

If your bunion is severe or causing significant pain, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to correct the alignment of the joint and relieve discomfort. Common procedures include:

Bunionectomy: Removing the bony lump and realigning the joint.
Osteotomy: Cutting and repositioning the bones to correct alignment.
Arthrodesis: Fusing the joint to stabilise it in severe cases.

Your consultant surgeon will discuss the best surgical option for your individual situation and explain what to expect during recovery.

What to Expect from Bunion Surgery

Before Surgery

You will meet with one of our specialist surgeons who will asess your bunion and discuss your recovery goals. Your surgeon will explain what to expect before, during and after your procedure and answer any questions you may have. We will provide you with information on preoperative procedures, guidance on medications and how best to prepare for recovery.

After Surgery

Bunion surgeries are often performed as day cases which means you can go home on the same day.

Your physiotherapist will discuss with you a post operative plan of rest and avoidance of weight bearing of the affected foot for a certain period of time.

Physiotherapy or an exercise plan may be recommended to improved mobility and strength to aid your recovery.

As your foot heals you will gradually return to normal activities.

FAQs About Bunions

Do bunions always need surgery?

No, many people manage bunions with non-surgical treatments like padding, orthotics, and wearing comfortable shoes. Our health care professionals at the Precision Clinic can help you with these treatment options. Surgery is typically only recommended if the bunion is causing significant pain or affecting your mobility.

How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?

Recovery time varies between patients and depends upon the type of surgery performed. Most people can return to normal activities within 6–12 weeks, although full recovery may take longer.

Can bunions come back after surgery?

Recurrence is rare but possible, especially if you continue to wear tight or ill-fitting shoes. Following your surgeon’s advice can help reduce the risk of recurrance.

Are bunions more common in women?

Yes, bunions are more common in women, likely due to wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes.

Can children develop bunions?

Yes, bunions can develop in children, particularly if they have inherited foot structure issues. Early treatment can help manage the condition.

Why Choose The Precision Clinic for Bunion Care?

At the Precision Clinic our team of specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating bunions. Our Clinics are purpose built and community based meaning you can access treatment and care close to your home. As we specialise in conditions such as these we can offer faster access to treatment without long waiting lists. Our ethos is to treat each patient as an individual not just as a condition, we pride ourselves on making your care and outcomes our top priority ensuring we help you to reach your recovery goals.