Bunion surgery is a surgical procedure to remove bunions. Successful bunion surgery can reduce the discomfort and pain bunions cause
Bunions can cause pain, swelling and redness along the side and bottom of your foot. They also cause your big toe to point toward your other toes, making wearing shoes and walking difficult. Bunions do not always cause symptoms at first, but they can become progressively painful and bothersome.
The nature of bunions ranges from mild to severe regarding their look and feel. Some people experience mild bunions that cause low levels of pain and discomfort and are only a small bony lump at the side of their foot. For these people, treatment options such as painkillers and heat therapy are usually effective in resolving their pain, if and when it flares up.
However, for people with severe bunions that cause significant levels of pain and a large, bony deformity, managing symptoms can be challenging, meaning surgical treatment is the best option. If you are struggling with the effects of bunions, seek advice from a specialist, who can direct you toward the best course of action for your condition.
At The Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester, our team of brilliant Orthopaedic Specialists are highly experienced in the tailored treatment of bunions. They will be able to recommend whether you need bunion removal surgery to eliminate your symptoms. Surgery is the only way to remove bunions, although they can be treated and managed with non-surgical treatment options such as bunion pads, orthotics, heat therapy, specially designed shoes, and painkillers. If your bunions are causing you unpleasant symptoms and interfering with your everyday life, bunion removal surgery might be the best treatment option for you.
Studies show that bunions are one of the most common chronic foot complains presented to foot and ankle specialists. And while bunions are prevalent, they are also highly treatable. If you’re battling joint pain or any other distressing symptoms caused by bunions, take control of your health and wellbeing today by booking a consultation with one of our Consultants online, or calling us on 01305 263252. We’ll help you find the best course of treatment for your personal circumstances.
Bunion removal surgery can remove or straighten the deformed bone in your foot to eliminate your bunions and the pain they cause. Your Consultant might recommend bunion removal surgery if you have tried other treatment options such as heat therapy and medication, but these have failed to reduce your pain. This could indicate that your bunion is more severe and requires surgical treatment.
At The Winterbourne Hospital, we routinely treat people based in Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport and the surrounding areas. We also welcome patients from further afield, whether in the UK or abroad.
We offer flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care over a time that suits you.
*This is a guide price for treatment when paying for yourself. Your initial consultation and diagnostics are not included in the price. Prices are confirmed in writing after your first consultation with a Consultant Specialist. Aftercare may vary depending on your treatment. Further terms and conditions apply.
There are many forms of arthritis. By far the most common is osteoarthritis, which usually happens as a result of wear and tear, and is therefore more common as we get older. Around 9 million people in the UK are affected by osteoarthritis, which affects the smooth cartilage in the lining of our joints, often resulting in pain and stiffness.
Another common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which causes your immune system to mistakenly attack its healthy cells, causing the bone and cartilage to break down in your joint. Arthritis can be challenging, but it is also highly treatable with options such as steroid injection therapy, physiotherapy, and medication.
Bunions can be caused by a hereditary weakness of the toe joint. The condition often runs in families.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to have your bunions examined by a specialist. They will help you to find the right treatment.
Bunion removal surgery is usually performed as a day case procedure, meaning you can leave hospital on the same day as surgery. It is typically performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will not be awake when it happens.
The main operation for bunions is called an osteotomy. This procedure normally involves removing some of the bone around the affected joint, although in some cases your Surgeon will also add a small piece of bone into the joint in order to straighten it as best possible. During the operation, your Consultant will:
Eliminate tripping hazards at home
You are likely to be less steady on your feet than usual when you get home after surgery. Remember to eliminate any tripping hazards ahead of time, so that you do not trip and fall when you return home.
Stop smoking if applicable
Your Consultant might recommend that you stop smoking before surgery, as it can increase the chance of you getting a wound infection, which can slow down your recovery after surgery.
Discuss medication requirements with your Consultant
Your Consultant will share detailed information about whether you should avoid taking your usual medication before hospital, or the kind of medication you might need to take after.
There are many benefits of bunion surgery, including:
You might feel some pain and discomfort straight after surgery, which is normal. If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease your symptoms.
You will be able to return home on the same day as surgery, but you might need to arrange a lift with a family member or friend, as you will not be able to drive yourself. We can arrange a taxi to collect you from hospital, if needed.
You will need to wear a cast for four to eight weeks. Most people take six to eight weeks off work to recover slowly and safely after bunion removal surgery. But if your job involves strenuous activity, you may need to be off work for up to 12 weeks. You can usually drive again after you’re able to perform an emergency stop safely, but please discuss this in more detail with your Consultant, and also with your insurance company.
The bunion surgery recovery timeline is different for every person. It is based on a variety of factors, including your fitness levels and your general state of health. Please discuss what your recovery timeline looks like in more detail with your Consultant, who understands your personal circumstances. They will be able to provide more information on things like when you can change the dressing on your foot or feet, and how best to do this.
It takes a minimum of nine to 12 months to fully recover from bunion removal surgery.
The main risks of bunion surgery are those associated with any operation, which include:
There is also always a chance that the operation won’t sufficiently relieve your symptoms, or that your bunions will grow back over time.
There are also a number of possible side effects that some people will experience for nine to 12 months while their foot fully heals. These include:
The benefits of choosing to have your private bunion treatment with us include:
Begin your healthcare journey today by using our online booking portal or calling us directly.
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