Bunion surgery is a procedure to correct a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, a condition known as hallux valgus. It occurs when the big toe gradually shifts towards the other toes, creating a painful bump on the side of the foot. The surgery aims to realign the joint, relieve pain, restore function, and improve foot appearance.
Bunion surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide relief:
Bunion surgery can provide substantial improvements in both comfort and function.
Most patients experience considerable reduction in the chronic pain associated with the bunion, particularly when walking or wearing shoes.
Realigning the big toe joint often improves overall foot mechanics, making walking and physical activities more comfortable and natural.
Correcting the bunion can help prevent the development of additional problems such as hammertoes or increased pressure on other parts of the foot.
Bunion surgery techniques vary based on bunion severity and patient needs.
The bones of the big toe and foot are cut and realigned to correct the angular deformity. Screws, pins, or plates are used to hold the bones in place during healing. This is one of the most common methods for moderate to severe bunions.
The joint at the base of the big toe is permanently fused to eliminate movement and relieve pain. This method is typically reserved for patients with severe arthritis or when other surgeries have failed.
These adjust ligaments, tendons, or the joint capsule around the big toe to improve alignment. Often combined with bone procedures, they are suitable for flexible deformities or as part of a comprehensive correction.
Small incisions and specialised instruments are used to correct the deformity with minimal soft tissue disruption. Recovery may be faster, but this technique is not suitable for all bunion types.
Only the bony prominence is removed, without correcting the underlying joint misalignment. It is usually reserved for mild bunions or for cosmetic relief when structural correction is not necessary.
Proper preparation helps reduce risks and support a smooth recovery.
Your surgeon will review your medical history, current medications, and may request blood tests or other investigations to ensure you’re fit for surgery.
You’ll be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a specified period before surgery, typically 6-8 hours beforehand.
Bunion surgery typically follows a structured sequence of steps:
You’ll receive either local anaesthesia (numbing injection around the foot) or regional anaesthesia (spinal block) to ensure comfort during the procedure. General anaesthesia may be used in some cases depending on your medical needs.
The surgeon makes a carefully planned incision over the bunion area to access the affected bone and soft tissues. The size and location of the incision depends on the specific surgical technique being used.
The surgeon cuts the bone (osteotomy) at predetermined angles and repositions the pieces to correct the deformity. Measurements are taken to ensure proper alignment before securing the bones in their new position.
Small screws, pins, or plates are inserted to hold the realigned bones in place whilst they heal. These fixation devices are typically designed to remain permanently in the foot.
The surgeon adjusts tight ligaments and tendons around the joint to help maintain the correction and improve joint function. Loose tissues may be tightened to provide better support.
The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples, and a sterile dressing is applied to protect the surgical site. A surgical shoe or protective boot may be fitted to support the foot during initial healing.
Pain management: You’ll receive pain medication to support early recovery. Ice packs can also help reduce swelling and provide additional relief when used as directed.
Wound care: Keep the surgical dressing clean and dry, and follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Elevation and rest: Keeping your foot elevated above heart level when resting helps reduce swelling and promotes healing.
First 2 weeks: Focus on rest, wound healing, and managing swelling whilst following weight-bearing restrictions.
2-6 weeks: Swelling gradually decreases and you may begin to bear more weight on your foot as directed by your surgeon. Sutures are typically removed around 2 weeks after surgery.
6-12 weeks: Most patients can return to normal walking and daily activities, though some swelling may persist.
3-6 months: Full healing and maximum improvement in foot shape and function typically occur during this period.
Regular check-ups: Scheduled appointments allow your orthopaedic surgeon to monitor healing, remove sutures, and adjust your activity level as appropriate. X-rays may be taken to assess bone healing.
Physiotherapy: Your surgeon may recommend exercises or physiotherapy to help restore strength, flexibility, and normal walking patterns. This typically begins several weeks after surgery once initial healing has occurred.
Footwear guidance: Your surgeon will advise when you can return to normal shoes and provide recommendations for appropriate footwear to maintain the surgical correction long-term.
While bunion surgery is generally safe and effective, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with any surgical procedure. These may include infection, delayed bone healing, joint stiffness, or residual swelling. Some patients may notice numbness around the surgical area, and in rare cases, the bunion may recur. Choosing an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore helps minimise these risks and ensures appropriate surgical planning, technique, and follow-up care for optimal outcomes.
Consult our Dual Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Dr Chong Xue Ling is a Swiss fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle, as well as shoulder and elbow surgery.
She is a member of the European Group for the Study and Research of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. For shoulder and elbow surgery, she completed her fellowship at La Tour Hospital, an accredited Swiss Olympic Medical Centre and learnt innovative techniques in arthroplasty for earlier return to activity as well as the stabilising techniques, developed to have greater strength without extensive fixation.
Through active involvement in research, she aims to constantly improve existing treatment in the pursuit of quality care for her patients.
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Most patients wear a surgical shoe for 2-6 weeks after surgery, depending on the type of procedure performed and your healing progress. Your surgeon will advise when you can transition to regular footwear.
You can typically drive once you’re no longer taking prescription pain medication and can comfortably operate the pedals without pain. This is usually 1-2 weeks for left foot surgery and 2-4 weeks for right foot surgery.
Most patients can return to low-impact activities like swimming and cycling within 6-8 weeks, whilst high-impact sports may require 3-4 months of healing. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and recovery progress.
Without surgery, bunions typically worsen over time, potentially leading to increased pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, and development of additional foot problems. However, some people manage their symptoms well with conservative treatments alone.
Bunion recurrence is possible but occurs in a small percentage of patients, usually due to factors like genetics, foot structure, or wearing inappropriate footwear. Following your surgeon’s advice about footwear and foot care helps reduce this risk.
