Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Correction)
Bunion surgery corrects the bony deformity at the base of the big toe — where the joint drifts outward and creates that painful bump on the side of the foot. The surgeon cuts and repositions the bone, then secures it with screws or plates. Minimally invasive techniques have become much more common, offering smaller incisions and faster recovery than older open procedures.
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Who Needs Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Correction)?
Surgery is the right move when bunion pain is limiting daily activities or making shoes impossible despite conservative measures like wider shoes, orthotics, and padding. Patients with significant deformity, joint damage, or at least 6 months of failed non-surgical treatment are typical candidates.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Walking allowed in a boot or post-op shoe. Foot elevated when sitting or lying. Avoid prolonged standing.
Progressive weight bearing in the surgical boot. Swelling may persist for several months.
Transition to regular wide shoes. Continued walking and light activity.
Return to most shoes and activities. Running and high-impact sports still restricted.
Full return to activity including sports. Residual swelling gradually resolves through month 12.
Risks & Complications
- Recurrence of bunion (up to 10-15%)
- Under- or over-correction
- Hardware irritation requiring screw removal
- Infection (less than 1%)
- Nerve irritation
- Stiffness of the big toe joint
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is recovery from bunion surgery?
Regular shoes for most patients by 6-8 weeks, full activity by 4-6 months. Swelling tends to hang around for up to 12 months. Minimally invasive surgery has shortened this considerably compared to older open techniques.
Will my bunion come back after surgery?
About 10-15% of patients see some recurrence over 10+ years. Wearing properly fitting shoes and avoiding pointed footwear helps. Severe or long-neglected bunions have higher recurrence rates.
What is minimally invasive bunion surgery?
It uses 3-4 small stab incisions and a motorized burr to cut and correct the bone under live X-ray guidance. Less soft tissue disruption, smaller scars, less pain, and faster return to shoes than traditional open surgery. It's become the preferred approach at many centers.
Find a surgeon for Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Correction)
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Search surgeonsEstimated Cost
$5,000 - $20,000 (before insurance). Covered by insurance when conservative treatment has failed and functional impairment is documented.
Full cost breakdownRelated Specialty
Foot & Ankle Specialists →Other Procedures
This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.