Get fast access to bunion surgery with our experienced orthopaedic surgeons
Bunions are a common foot condition that can cause significant discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking. Over time, they can interfere with your day-to-day activities, limit mobility and make wearing certain shoes uncomfortable or even impossible. At Chelsfield Park Hospital in Orpington, we provide fast access to consultant-led bunion treatment and surgery, offering patients a supportive, efficient and personalised pathway to long-term relief.
Many people seek private bunion surgery because NHS waiting times can be long and symptoms often worsen without treatment. Choosing private care allows you to access specialist assessment quickly, undergo imaging on-site if needed, and receive a tailored treatment plan from an expert orthopaedic or podiatric surgeon. Our surgeons specialise in modern bunion correction techniques that promote rapid recovery, reduced scarring and improved long-term outcomes.
Whether your symptoms are mild or severely limiting your movement, our team is here to help you regain comfort, mobility and confidence in your daily life.
Not all bunions require surgery, but when symptoms become persistent or interfere with daily life, surgical intervention offers the most reliable form of relief. Many patients explore non-surgical treatments first, such as orthotic insoles, pain-relief medication, footwear changes or physiotherapy. However, these measures do not correct the structural deformity – they simply help manage symptoms. When the bunion continues to progress or becomes increasingly painful, surgery may be recommended.
You may consider bunion surgery if you experience ongoing pain when walking, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, frequent inflammation or swelling, stiffness in the big toe, or if the bunion is causing deformity in the smaller toes. Some patients also choose surgery for aesthetic reasons, particularly when the deformity becomes noticeable and affects confidence.
Your consultant will help you understand whether surgery is appropriate based on the severity of your symptoms, the degree of deformity, and your overall health. The goal is to provide long-term relief from pain and prevent the bunion from worsening over time.
The cost of bunion surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure required, whether one or both feet are treated, and the specific techniques used. At Chelsfield Park Hospital, we offer clear and transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect before making a decision.
Most patients opt for fixed-price packages, which typically include the cost of the operation, hospital fees, anaesthesia and follow-up appointments. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain the recommended treatment and provide a detailed breakdown of the associated costs. If you have private medical insurance, bunion surgery may be covered depending on your policy and clinical need. Our team can help you navigate this process and confirm whether your treatment is eligible for insurance funding.
Choosing private care means you’ll benefit from fast access to consultations, rapid diagnostic imaging and surgery without delays, helping you get back on your feet more quickly.
Bunion surgery aims to realign the bones of the big toe, correct the deformity and reduce ongoing discomfort. At Chelsfield Park Hospital, your surgical experience begins with a detailed consultation, during which your surgeon will examine your foot, review your symptoms, discuss your medical history and assess the results of any scans or tests you have already had. In many cases, you will be referred for X-rays to analyse the severity of the bunion and help determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
On the day of your surgery, you will be welcomed by our experienced clinical team, who will guide you through every step of the procedure. Bunion surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or, in some cases, general anaesthetic, depending on your preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. The procedure typically involves removing the bony prominence, realigning the joint and correcting the soft tissues around the toe.
Modern techniques often involve smaller incisions and minimally invasive approaches where appropriate. These methods can lead to shorter recovery times, reduced post-operative pain and a faster return to normal activity. After the procedure, you will spend some time in recovery before being discharged home the same day or following a short stay, depending on the complexity of your surgery.
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including guidance on wound care, weight-bearing restrictions, pain management and follow-up appointments.
As with any surgical procedure, bunion surgery carries potential risks. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail and answer any questions before you make a decision about treatment. Common risks include infection, swelling, delayed bone healing, overcorrection or undercorrection of the deformity, and temporary stiffness in the toe joint.
In rare cases, nerve irritation or recurrence of the bunion may occur. Choosing an experienced consultant surgeon and following post-operative instructions closely can help minimise these risks. At Chelsfield Park Hospital, your safety is our priority, and our clinical team ensures the highest standards of care throughout your treatment and recovery.
There are several types of bunion surgery, and the right one for you will depend on the severity of the deformity, the alignment of your bones and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your consultant surgeon will explain the procedure that best suits your needs and discuss expected outcomes and recovery times.
One of the most common procedures is an osteotomy, where the surgeon makes precise cuts to the bones of the big toe to realign them. The bones are then secured in their new position using small screws or plates that remain in place permanently. For more severe deformities, a Lapidus procedure may be recommended, which involves correcting the bunion at the base of the metatarsal bone. This can provide excellent long-term stability.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is also available for selected cases. This technique uses small incisions and specialised instruments to correct the deformity with less disruption to surrounding tissues. It can result in faster healing, less pain after surgery and smaller visible scars. Your surgeon will advise whether minimally invasive techniques are suitable for your individual condition.
Regardless of the method used, the aim of bunion surgery is to relieve pain, restore proper foot alignment and improve overall function.
Recovery from bunion surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed, but most patients can expect a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks. Immediately after surgery, your foot will be bandaged or placed in a protective surgical boot to support the healing process. You will typically be advised to keep your foot elevated as much as possible during the first few days to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Your surgeon will explain how much weight you can place on your foot, which may range from partial to full weight-bearing depending on the surgical technique used. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your progress, remove stitches if necessary and assess how well the bones are healing.
Physiotherapy may be recommended to restore mobility, improve strength and ensure optimal long-term function. Gradually, you will be able to return to driving, work and light exercise, although high-impact activities should be avoided until your consultant confirms it is safe. Most patients find that their pain continues to decrease over time and that the long-term benefits of surgery significantly improve their quality of life.
The timeline for walking after bunion surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. With minimally invasive surgery or certain osteotomy techniques, many patients are able to walk almost immediately in a special surgical shoe or boot that protects the foot. For more complex surgeries, reduced weight-bearing or temporary use of crutches may be required. Your surgeon will give you personalised guidance based on the stability of the correction and the type of fixation used. It’s important to follow these recommendations closely to ensure proper healing. Most patients are walking more comfortably within a few weeks, with full recovery and a return to normal footwear typically achieved within six to twelve weeks. Your consultant will track your progress at each stage and advise when it is safe to increase activity levels.
To book a consultation to discuss bunion surgery with an orthopaedic surgeon near you, use our online booking system or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
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