The term “hallux” or “hallux valgus” are the most commonly used medical terms associated with a bunion anomaly, where “hallux” refers to the great toe, valgus refers to the abnormal angulation of the great toe commonly associated with bunion anomalies.
Bunion surgery will correct the foot and remove bunions. A bunion is a bony lump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe (see figure 1). The most common cause of bunions is footwear that does not have enough width to fit the toes in their natural position. They are occasionally associated with arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe.
Following bunion surgery your big toe should be straighter, so your foot should fit more comfortably in a normal shoe.
The main alternative to bunion surgery is to adapt your shoes so that they fit comfortably.
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes between half an hour and an hour.
The bunion surgery may involve removing the bunion, releasing or tightening ligaments, cutting and realigning the bones of your big toe and straightening one or more of your smaller toes.
Your surgeon may fix the toes in place with wires or tiny screws.
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.
For the first week following bunion surgery you will need to spend most of the time with your leg raised up so that the swelling settles. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice. It can take six weeks or longer before the swelling has gone down enough for you to wear a normal soft shoe.
If you have a bunion that is causing pressure and pain, surgery should straighten your big toe and make your foot fit more comfortably into a normal shoe.