What is a Bunionectomy?

A bunionectomy is an outpatient procedure that treats a painful or inflamed bunion on the toe. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about an hour.

During the procedure:

• An incision is made and the bunion is exposed.
• The bunion is carefully removed and the bone is shaved.

The incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed. Dressings are wrapped around the foot for comfort and a postoperative flat soled shoe is placed on the foot. A family member or friend drives the patient home after they are awake and alert.

Patients usually recover from surgery within 6-8 weeks and patients experience dramatic symptom relief and are able to live normal lives without any restrictions.

What Does a Bunionectomy Treat?

A bunion is a big toe bone deformity that may or may not be symptomatic. Bunions that are large enough to push the big toe towards other toes and cause them to move are the most problematic and the ones that most often cause pain.

Bunion symptoms include:

• Big toe bony bump
• Calluses
• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Foot deformities
• Foot Pain
• Toe pain
• Swelling

Nonsurgical treatment options may improve bunion symptoms, but they will not correct the deformity. Thus, a bunionectomy is recommended when bunion symptoms do not improve after nonsurgical treatment.

Patients can expect to find symptom relief when they make an appointment with us.