Bunions
A bunion, also known as Hallux Valgus, is a complex big toe condition which causes a bump to form on the inside of your big toe.
Very often you can have deformities of your other toes because of the pressure the big toe places by angling outwards. These deformities can often make it hard to wear shoes.
Symptoms of a Bunion
The most common signs and symptoms of a bunion include:
A visible bony bump on the side of your big toe
Pain or tenderness, especially in enclosed or narrow shoes
Swelling, redness or a burning sensation around the joint
Restricted or painful movement of the big toe
Corns or calluses where your first and second toes rub together
Difficulty finding comfortable, well-fitting shoes
The exact cause of bunions is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to their development, including:
Genetics: Certain foot shapes and inherited structural abnormalities can increase the likelihood of developing bunions.
Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels can squeeze the toes together and increase the risk of bunions.
Foot mechanics: Conditions like flat feet or excessive pronation can place additional stress on the big toe joint, leading to bunion formation.
Ligamentous conditions: Conditions that affect ligaments and joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk of developing bunions.
While it can be painful, disabling and sometimes unsightly fortunately there are ways to prevent it, control it and fix it.
Preventing Bunions
Avoiding high heels and tight fitting shoes
Maintain a healthy weight to prevent overload
Nevertheless, in many cases this condition occurs despite the trying to avoid it
Controlling Bunions
Wear roomy, comfortable shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion
Use orthotic devices such as bunions pads, toe-hold splints or insoles to cushion, support and prevent progression in the affected area
Taking simple pain relief like paracetamol and NSAIDS
Fixing Bunions
The only way to fix your deformity is surgery and there are a whole host of various procedures to treat this condition.
Dr Janan is up to date with the latest techniques in minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery and this has been shown to be effective at treating this painful condition. Every foot is different so we will carefully assess your foot and overall history to determine what is the best way forward to treat your bunions. We aim to complete your operation as a day case procedure and get you walking the same day in special post-operative shoes.
You can read more about how the keyhole procedure is performed, and what recovery involves, on our keyhole bunion surgery page.
How your bunion is assessed
Not every bunion needs the same operation, and the right one depends on what your foot is actually doing. Dr Janan will examine the foot and review imaging to assess how severe the deformity is, whether there is arthritis in the big toe joint, whether the base of the first ray is unstable, and whether previous surgery has altered the anatomy. Each of those can point towards a different procedure.
This is also where the decision about keyhole versus open surgery is made. The technique is chosen to fit the foot, rather than the other way round.
Recovery
Bunion surgery is usually a day case, and the aim is to have you walking on day one. You will be fitted with a post-operative shoe that puts most of your weight through the heel rather than the front of the foot, and you will be in it for about six weeks. Depending on the timing of your operation you may go home the same day or stay overnight.
Expect some pain and swelling early on. Elevation is the single most useful thing you can do in the first fortnight. Walking increases gradually as comfort allows, and X-rays confirm the bone healing is as planned before you move back into supportive footwear.
Most patients are back to their usual activities and footwear by three to six months. Swelling commonly persists for several months and is expected.
Risks
No bunion operation is without risk. The main ones are infection, nerve irritation or numbness around the incisions, delayed bone healing, stiffness of the big toe, recurrence of the deformity over time, and irritation from the screws occasionally requiring their removal.
Recurrence is possible whatever technique is used, particularly if footwear or the underlying foot mechanics aren’t addressed afterwards. No technique eliminates it.
Not sure whether your bunion needs surgery?
Many don’t. A consultation will tell you where yours sits.
FAQs
Will Bunion surgery completely correct the appearance of my foot?
Bunion surgery is mainly done to relieve pain, improve foot function, and correct the alignment of the big toe joint. While it generally improves the appearance of the foot, complete cosmetic correction cannot always be guaranteed. The amount of correction depends on various factors, including the severity of the bunion and the surgical techniques used.
Will I have scars after Bunion surgery?
Bunion surgery involves incisions, which can result in scars. The size and location of the scars can vary depending on the surgical techniques used. Over time, scars generally fade and become less noticeable. Dr Janan prefers doing minimally invasive surgery which uses tiny (5mm) incisions which tends to minimises scarring and infections.
How long am I off my feet after Bunion surgery?
We aim to get you walking day 1. You are fitted with a special post-operative shoe that helps put most of your weight through the heel rather than the front of your foot. You will be in this shoe for about 6 weeks. Depending on the time of your operation you may be able to go home the same day, otherwise you will stay in hospital overnight. You will expect some postoperative pain and swelling, and the pain starts to improve after a day or so. You are advised not to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 6 weeks after which you can gradually return to full duties.
Do all bunions need surgery?
No — many bunions can be managed successfully with footwear changes, padding, and orthotics. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite these measures or significantly affect your daily life.
Is keyhole (minimally invasive) surgery always the best option?
Not necessarily — it’s an effective option for many patients, but the most appropriate technique depends on your individual foot structure and the severity of your bunion. Dr Janan will assess this on a case-by-case basis.
Can a bunion come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible, particularly if contributing factors like footwear choices or underlying foot mechanics aren’t managed afterward. Dr Janan will discuss ways to reduce this risk as part of your care plan.
Choosing a bunion surgeon. Not sure how to compare surgeons? Who is the best bunion surgeon in Melbourne? explains what separates one bunion surgeon from another and what to ask before you book.
Ready to discuss your treatment options?
Book a consultation with Dr Janan Chandrananth to have your bunion properly assessed and discuss whether non-surgical management or surgery is right for you.