Bunion Surgery

Your journey to bunion surgery will begin with an initial consultation where the surgeon will go through the options available, discuss your medical history and take key measurements and clinical photography. If you decide to go ahead with your bunion removal, you will be given a two-week cooling-off period. 

The surgery is carried out as a day case and you will need a friend or relative to drive you home afterwards. You should stay off your feet for as much as possible for two weeks after bunion removal surgery. 

You will return to the clinic within two weeks after surgery when our nursing team will review your incision sites and assess your healing. The surgeon will see you at the six-week mark for a final appointment.

It is vital that you follow all the aftercare advice issued by your surgeon. Failure to do so may delay the healing process or affect the final result. 

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to prevent a bunion from developing on the foot, particularly as bunions often run in families.  

However, you can lessen the likelihood of bunions developing by making sure you are wearing shoes that are the right size for you and have plenty of room for your toes. It is advisable to avoid shoes with high heels, pointy toes or are overly tight and force your toes together, as these put you at a higher risk of developing bunions. Stick to shoes with a low heel and soft sole.

If you are overweight or obese, this may put you at a higher risk of developing bunions as this weight adds extra pressure to the base of the big toe. If you are overweight or obese, then you should consider losing weight to improve your overall health.

Bunions do not go away on their own. You can stop them from getting worse or slow their development by making changes, for example swapping high heels for flat, comfortable shoes.

If bunions are not causing you any pain or distress, then you may choose to leave them. But if they get worse, they can get painful or lead to other foot problems and deformities. We recommend bunion removal surgery to prevent any further problems from developing.

To prevent your bunion from getting worse, make sure you are wearing shoes that fit your foot correctly. Shoes with laces or adjustable straps are the best option as these can be adjusted to fit. Maintaining a healthy weight will stop excess pressure on the big toe and stop the bunion from getting worse.

Bunion pads can provide some protection from the pressure of your shoes, or you may also wish to try insoles (orthotics), arch supports, toe spacers and toe supports (splints). These can be purchased from pharmacies, chiropodists and podiatrists. If your bunion is causing you pain, then over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help.

Although you can prevent your bunion from getting worse, you cannot get rid of a bunion at home. Bunion surgery is the only way to get rid of a bunion.

Some people who suffer from bunions use several different methods in order to reduce the swelling and associated discomfort. 

There are those who swear by an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel. Holding the pack near the bunion for 20 minutes can help to alleviate the inflammation and pain. However this method may not be suitable if you suffer from numbness or poor circulation in the feet.

There are certain foot exercises which claim to relieve pain, increase flexibility, improve gait and foot mobility while strengthening the foot. Elevating the feet when sitting or lying down or soaking them in an Epsom salt bath can also help to reduce swelling. Some people who suffer from bunions take natural supplements, such as ginger and curcumin, in order to reduce inflammation.

However, although some people find these natural remedies beneficial for managing their bunions, only surgery can remove bunions.

Yes, bunions can be very painful. They can make walking, driving and even standing painful and have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. This in turn has a negative impact on mental wellbeing.

Any pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, or applying an ice pack or a soothing soak in Epsom salts may also help. However, particularly sore bunions can cause chronic pain and may require stronger pain relief. Bunion removal surgery is the only way to get rid of bunion pain. If you are seeking bunion removal surgery in London, the Cadogan Clinic is home to leading surgeons who will be able to put a stop to bunion pain.

Bunions are bony lumps which form on the side of the foot near the joint. A corn is a small, hard patch of dried skin which appears on the sides or bottom of the toes. Corns are caused by friction and is the skin’s natural reaction to stop the formation of blisters. Corns can be caused by tight or poorly-fitting shoes or socks, barefoot walking or lots of physical activity, such as running or playing sport frequently.

People who suffer from bunions are more prone to corns. This is because the bunion throws off the natural symmetry of the foot, meaning extra pressure is put on the toes or sole of the foot. This extra friction results in the appearance of corns. Bunion removal will help to prevent corns from forming on the feet.