Bunion Surgery in Manchester

Bunion surgery, or hallux valgus surgery, is an operation that realigns your big toe and removes a bunion from the inside of your foot around your big toe joint.

It often involves your consultant orthopaedic surgeon removing your bunion by shaving it down, before cutting the bones around your big toe joint, allowing the bone to be moved into a straighter alignment of the toe, before being fixed in position.

 The Alexandra Hospital is home to a team of experienced orthopaedic consultants who specialise in bunion surgery, dedicated to helping you find the best treatment and care. Book your consultation online now or contact us on 0161 428 3656.

Otherwise known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony bump on the side of your big toe joint, formed by your first metatarsal and your proximal phalanx – bones on either side of your big toe joint – shifting out of place.

As your big toe leans in towards your lesser toes, your first metatarsal head moves towards the inside of your foot. The fullness of your metatarsal head shifting outwards creates the appearance of a bump, which is then diagnosed as a bunion.

Not only does this movement create a bony prominence on the side of your foot, but it can push your big toe towards your other toes, causing complications such as crossover toes, hammertoe and mallet toe.

Bunions can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common being genetics. While bunions can’t be inherited directly, you can inherit traits that predispose you to bunions, such as loose ligaments, flat feet, metatarsal structure and rheumatoid arthritis.

Contrary to popular belief, tight shoes and high heels don’t directly cause bunions, but they can encourage the onset of bunions if you’re predisposed, or they can make the symptoms of existing bunions worse.

If you have a bunion, aside from the bony lump on the side of your big toe joint, you might notice other symptoms such as corns and calluses, inflammation and redness at the bunion site.

With mild symptoms, you might find your bunions don’t cause you too much difficulty and so decide not to have bunion surgery.

You may decide you need surgery if your symptoms worsen, or if you develop new symptoms, such as pain and soreness, a burning sensation and difficulty moving your big toe. For most people, bunion pain is the main indicator for surgery.

You might also need bunion surgery if your bunions start causing complications, from changes in your gait and bursitis, to crossover toes, hammertoe and mallet toe.

During your consultation at The Alexandra Hospital, your consultant surgeon will examine your bunion and discuss which treatment options might be the best.

During your initial consultation with one of our specialist surgeons, your feet will be examined to assess the severity of your condition. Following this, you will undergo weight-bearing X-rays to capture images of your foot, bunion, and surrounding joints. These X-rays will be taken on the same day as your consultation, and the results will be immediately available for your consultant to review and discuss with you.

Based on your condition, your consultant may recommend conservative treatments, such as proper footwear, as a temporary solution, or they may recommend bunion surgery to fully address the issue. All available options will be thoroughly explained, and you'll have ample time to make a decision with the guidance of our specialised staff.

Rapid access to an expert

As the largest private hospital in the country outside London, we have a number of extremely experienced consultants, able to provide you giving quick, easy access to assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Continuity of care 

The consultant you see for your initial consultation will be the same one you see for any further visits. Your care will always be consultant-led, you will never be seen by a more junior doctor.

Peace of mind

In our most recent patient survey, we were delighted that 97.3% of the people we’d treated said they were likely or extremely likely to recommend us to their friends and family.

Flexible appointments

We offer orthopaedic consultations throughout the week, so it is easy to book a time that is convenient for you. We can also provide remote consultations by telephone or video call if required.

Multidisciplinary team

Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals including nurses, physiotherapists and radiographers. Fast, easy access to any member of this multidisciplinary team ensures you will always see the most appropriate specialist for your specific needs.