Bunionectomy

Bunion Surgery from Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeons & Podiatrists in Orange County

Surgical correction of a bunion is called a bunionectomy. This surgery may be necessary to reduce the pain associated with the enlarged bone and inflamed soft tissues that can develop on the joint that connects the base of the big toe with the foot. Medically called “hallux valgus,” bunions are common and may be inherited or caused by wearing poor footwear, such as toe-constricting shoes like high heels. If you experience inflammation, tenderness and pain and notice a bump at the base of one or both of your inner big toes, you could have a bunion. Surgery can help you bear weight comfortably, and engage in an active lifestyle once again.

Find out if you are a candidate for a bunionectomy by scheduling a consult with a Newport Orthopedic Institute Foot Surgeon today! Call (949) 722-7038.

Surgical Approach to Bunion Removal

Conservative, nonsurgical treatments of bunions focus on symptom relief, but are not guaranteed to prevent a bunion from forming and cannot reverse the established growth of a bunion. Nonoperative treatments may include various pads, braces, modifying the types of shoes worn to a wider toe box, modified activities, or anti-inflammatories. Patients with more severe symptoms including chronic pain with or without shoes, inflamed skin on the foot or deformity of the toes will likely need surgery, in order to restore the proper positioning of the toe and correct other foot deformities, such as corns or calluses, for significant pain relief, restoration of function, and activity.

The surgery may involve shifting and removal of part of the metatarsal head or the end of the first metatarsal bone at the base of your big toe called the metatarsophalangeal joint. During the procedure, your surgeon will reshape or reposition the metatarsal bones to realign the joint and big toe, as well as surrounding ligaments. Fusions of the joints or metatarsal bones, called arthrodesis, may be done with small screws, plates, or wires to stabilize the bones in the healing process.

Newport Orthopedic Institute offers multiple surgical options to address your bunion and get you back on your feet. Advancements in surgical techniques and technology have made bunion surgery a common and highly successful outpatient procedure for symptomatic bunions in patients that have failed to respond to conservative treatment. Every patient’s surgery is tailored to address their specific needs and address the particular size and shape of your bunion and misalignment.

While recovery from a bunionectomy takes approximately six to eight weeks, full recovery from bunion removal surgery can take an average of four to six months, depending on the deformity and the surgical treatment received. To help the foot and toe heal more quickly, you will have to follow your doctor’s orders for activity restriction, wear a cast/brace/splint or orthotic device, and go to physical therapy to gradually strengthen and restore functionality of your foot and toes.

Get Relief from Foot Pain Today!
Schedule a consult with a Newport Orthopedic Institute Foot Surgeon by calling (949) 722-7038.