What is a bunion?
A bunion is a lump at the base of the big toe, caused by sideways drifting and angulation of the big toe. A bunion is not a ‘bump’ on the bone, it is caused by angulation of the bones in the foot. Sometimes it is painful in itself, but more commonly it causes symptoms by pressure on shoe-wear or, on occasions, by crowding or crossing the smaller (lesser) toes. The second toe can become so crowded that it becomes ‘clawed,’ and crosses over the big toe.
Is surgery the only way to treat bunions?
Early and mild bunions may respond to the application of splints or braces, although the effects are often short-lived. Wearing ‘corn plasters’ or ‘pads’ may relieve local pressure symptoms. Shoes may be made or adapted to accommodate the bunion within a broad front (toe-box).
Some bunions are caused by flat foot and collapse of the arches. These can be helped by arch supports.
More severe bunions can only be corrected by surgery. Surgery should only be undertaken if the symptoms are significant and appropriate non-operative management has been considered. The surgery is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, with local anaesthetic being used to reduce the amount of general anaesthetic required. Surgery is usually performed either as a day-case (where you do not have to stay in hospital over night at all), or with an overnight stay in hospital.
What is an osteotomy?
An ‘osteotomy’ is an operation when the bone at the base of the toe (the metatarsal bone) is divided and ‘displaced’ into the correct position. The bony bump is usually trimmed at the same time. The operation aims to strengthen the great toe, and narrow the forefoot. Because the operation involves dividing the bone, it has to be held in position while the bone heals together again. In the majority of cases small screws, wires or staples are used. The foot is usually protected in a special post-operative shoe during this time.
Occasionally the big toe is osteotomised as well, a procedure known as an ‘Akin’. The fracture in the bone allows the bones to be repositioned, so that the bunion disappears.
What can I expect after the operation?
After the operation, you will wake up with your foot in a bandage.
The foot is always painful, but painkilling tablets usually control this.
In order to minimise swelling, you will need to keep your foot up after the operation. You will be given a special shoe to wear after surgery. This should be worn at all times, including in bed at night.
What can I do once I am discharged?
To start with you will need to rest your foot up (above heart level) most of the time. When the foot is lowered it will throb and swell. This should be avoided. With time, the period you can keep the foot down will increase. After two to three weeks after the operation you should be able to keep it down most of the time.
At around two weeks after surgery, you will return to the clinic for removal of stitches. It is important to exercise, or mobilise the toe. This can be started after surgery, and you will be advised of the exercises. Failure to undertake these exercises increases the risk of developing stiffness of the toe after surgery.
On average, you should expect to spend six weeks in the post-operative shoe. After this you will need an open toed sandal, preferably with adjustable straps. It will be a further six – eight weeks before you can wear a shoe for a working day, and it is usually three to six months from the operation before you can hope to resume recreational walking or light sporting activities.
If you are slower than these times do not panic, they are only averages, but let your surgeon know when you attend the clinic.
Are there any risks or complications?
Although the operation produces good results in most cases, complications do occur. Although great care is taken with the operation and aftercare, a small number of people (up to 10%) may have a less than perfect results due to problems such as:
- Recurrence of the bunion
- Over-correction of the bunion, so that the big toe points inwards.
- Sensitisation and pain in the foot due to damage to the small nerves or blood vessels in the foot.
- Non-healing of the bone.
- Stiffness of the big toe.
- The screws become prominent and require removal at a later date.
- Weight transfer to the second toe (a corn under the second toe).
- Infection of the skin, and rarely of the bone.
- The complications of any surgery such as thrombosis (a blood clot) and anaesthetic problems.
Most problems can be treated by medications, therapy and on occasions by further surgery, but even allowing for these, sometimes a poor result ensues. For this reason we do not advise surgery for cosmetic reasons. The level of symptoms before surgery must worth the risk of these complications. We also advise against prophylactic surgery (surgery to avoid problems that are not yet present).
You can reduce the risk of complications by preparing yourself and your foot, as described in our handout ‘preparing for foot surgery’
If you are at particular risk of complication, this will be discussed with you. If you have any general or specific worries, you should ask the doctor treating you who will explain it to you.
How do I know if I have a complication?
Some problems such as recurrence of the bunion, or corn formation become obvious with time.
It is important that you notify a doctor if you get an increase in pain after you go home, and particularly if the pain does not settle with elevation and mild painkillers, as this may indicate early infection.
Similarly if you get swelling of the leg or foot which does not settle when the foot is elevated above heart level you should seek medical advice.
Special Note
These guidelines are intended to help you understand your operation, and to help you to prepare yourself and your foot for it.
Some patients will want to know more details. Please ask, and we will be happy to add additional notes or comments for your assistance. Above all else please do not proceed with surgery unless you are satisfied you understand all that you want to about the operation.
Finally, this level of detail may cause some patients worry, concern, or uncertainty. Please let your doctor or nurse know if this is the case, so we can address the matters of concern.
