Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is conducted to remove or realign the bone protruding from your big toe that is causing discomfort or pain.

Overview

bookings.orthopaedics@onewelbeck.com

02036532002

What does bunion surgery do?

Bunion surgery will remove or realign the aforementioned bunion; a bone sticking out on your big toe. Bunions can become very painful and make daily life difficult.

There are bunion treatments that don’t involve surgery, including medications to help reduce pain and swelling, bunion pads, insoles in shoes, a splint to keep your toe straight, and making alterations to your shoes. Whilst these may help reduce the pain, they won’t stop your bunion from developing over time. Removing the bunion is the best option for long term success.

What will happen during my bunion surgery?

An anaesthetist will discuss with you the type of anaesthetic used and the process they will follow. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.

Bunion surgery usually takes less than an hour and the procedure varies depending on the size of the bunion and shape of your foot. Your surgeon will make an incision into the skin over the bunion and remove some bone, before re-aligning it to straighten the side of your foot. Screws or wires may be used to ensure everything is kept in place; these are usually permanent unless your surgeon decides to remove them later.

How should I prepare for my bunion treatment?

Your consultant will provide you with all the relevant information before your procedure along with any preparation you may need to do in the days leading up to your surgery. It is important to tell your consultant about any medicines you may be taking, including any over the counter pain medicines such as paracetamol or aspirin.

Do not eat or drink 6 hours before you are due to have surgery otherwise your surgery may be delayed.

Please ensure you have a companion available to take you home after you leave OneWelbeck Orthopaedics.

It is a good idea to prepare for your surgery before you come in to OneWelbeck Orthopaedics including giving yourself more space by moving furniture and ensuring you have enough food, so you don’t have to go shopping immediately. It is advisable to have some extra help after the first few days after your surgery to give yourself the best chance to heal.

What risks are associated with bunion surgery?

As with any surgery, there are complications that can occur during or after bunion surgery including:

  • A stiff toe or numb toe
  • An abnormal toe position from the healing process
  • Slow healing process
  • An infection
  • Pain under the ball of your foot due to change in weight distribution
  • A reoccurring bunion

Your consultant orthopaedic surgeon will talk to you about any risk to surgery beforehand and help with any concerns you may have.

What aftercare process is in place following my bunion surgery?

After your operation, you will be watched by your dedicated nurse at OneWelbeck Orthopaedics for a few hours after your surgery. Your foot will be bandaged, and you may have a splint or cast to keep your foot in the right position.

Once you have seen your Consultant you will be able to go home the same day. You may be given crutches to help you walk for the first few days after your operation, and if needed you can take over-the-counter painkillers if you are in any pain.

Make sure you follow any advice given to you by your consultant orthopaedic surgeon including any advice on pain relief, wound dressing and any exercises you may be given.

Book a consultation

Dec 2024

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

Currently selected day

Available consultations

Click any unavailable day to check availability with similar consultants

Treatment Programme
Bunion Surgery

Introduction

Treatment

<1h surgery, removal of affected area

Preparation

Fasting

Risks

Minor risks of reoccurence

Aftercare

Pain medication, gentle exercises

Image

Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

Image

Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

Image

Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

Bunion Surgery Specialists

We boast a truly integrated team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, podiatric surgeons, rheumatology specialists, paid medicine consultants and hand therapy specialists. All of these services work together in one place, enabling us to give patients the best care possible.

Earliest availability 03 Jan
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Paul Hamilton

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Upper and Lower Limb Tendon Injuries, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Arthritis, Foot Surgery, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma.

Earliest availability 06 Jan
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Lee Parker

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendon Surgery.

Mr Amit Amin

Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Arthritis, Achilles Tendon Strain, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma.

Mr Francesc Malagelada

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendon Surgery, Flat Foot Deformity, Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

Mr Pal Ramesh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Shockwave Therapy, Knee Arthroscopy, Hip Arthroscopy.

Mr Matthew Solan

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Arthritis, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma, Flat Foot Deformity.

Mr R. Lloyd Williams

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Elite Sport, Sports Injuries, Sports Injuries of the Lower Limb, Foot & Ankle, Arthritis, Bunions, Morton's Neuroma.

View all consultants