Bunion Surgery
This webpage will give you information about bunion
surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other
relevant health professional.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony
lump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe (see figure
1).
The most common cause of bunions is footwear that does not have
enough width to fit the toes in their natural position.
They are occasionally associated with arthritis of the joint at
the base of the big toe.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Your big toe will be straighter and your foot should fit more
comfortably into a normal shoe.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
The main alternative to surgery is to adapt your shoes so that
they fit comfortably.
What does the operation involve?
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation
may involve removing the bunion, releasing or tightening ligaments,
cutting and realigning the bones of your big toe and straightening
one or more of your smaller toes. Your surgeon may fix the toes in
place with wires or tiny screws.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
- Difficulty passing urine
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Damage to nerves around the big-toe joint
- Problems with bone healing
- Loss of movement in the big toe
- Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of the foot (Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome)
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Recurrent deformity
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. For
the first week, you will need to spend most of the time with your
leg lifted up so that the swelling settles. It can take six weeks
or longer before the swelling has gone down enough for you to wear
a normal soft shoe.
Summary
Bunions are common. For those people who are not able to cope
with adapting their footwear, surgery gives a good chance of making
their feet fit comfortably into normal shoes and improving the
cosmetic appearance.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.