About
Overview
What Is Hallux Valgus / Bunion?
Hallux Valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity in which the big toe gradually shifts outward toward the smaller toes. This causes a bony bump to develop on the inner side of the foot. The condition can lead to pain, inflammation, shoe-wear problems and progressive deformity if not treated early.
Who may need treatment?
Symptoms that may indicate you need treatment:
- Pain at the base of the big toe.
- Swelling or redness around the bunion.
- Difficulty wearing closed or narrow footwear.
- Overlapping of the big toe with the second toe.
- Callus formation on the side of the foot.
- Limited motion of the big toe joint.
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment:
- Footwear Modification – wider, comfortable shoes reduce pressure on the bunion.
- Pads or Silicone Spacers – help reduce shoe friction.
- Splints/Toe Separators – may help in early flexible deformities.
- Activity Modification – avoiding long walks in tight shoes.
Conservative treatment helps relieve symptoms but does not correct the deformity.
Surgical Treatment
Recommended when:
- Pain persists despite conservative care.
- The deformity is worsening.
- Difficulty wearing normal footwear.
- Toe overlap or joint stiffness develops.
Common surgical procedures include:
- Minimal invasive surgery with joint preservation.
- Distal or proximal osteotomy.
- Lapidus procedure (1st TMT fusion in severe cases).
- Soft tissue balancing.
Your surgeon will choose the technique based on the severity and flexibility of your deformity.
Procedure Details
How Do I Prepare for Corrective Bunion Surgery?
- Physical examination, weight-bearing X-rays to plan correction.
- Review of medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension etc.).
- Guidance on stopping certain medications before surgery.
- Pre-operative counselling about recovery duration.
- Avoid smoking to promote bone healing.
- Plan for limited mobility for a few weeks post-surgery.
What Happens During This Procedure?
- Performed under regional or general anesthesia.
- A small incision is made along the side of the big toe.
- Bone is cut (osteotomy) and realigned to correct the deformity.
- Fixation with screws or plates to maintain alignment.
- Soft tissues around the joint may be tightened or released for balance.
- Dressing and protective postoperative footwear are applied.
What Happens After This Procedure?
- Most patients go home the same day or next day.
- Special postoperative sandals/shoes are provided.
- Weight-bearing allowed depending on the type of osteotomy.
- Swelling is common and gradually reduces over weeks.
- Stitches removed at 10–14 days.
- Physiotherapy may be advised to regain toe movement.
How Long Is Recovery After This Procedure?
- Initial recovery: 4–6 weeks.
- Return to regular footwear: 6–8 weeks.
- Complete bone healing and final results: 3–4 months.
- High-impact activities: 3–6 months, depending on procedure.
Most patients experience excellent long-term pain relief and cosmetic improvement.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider After This Procedure?
Contact your doctor if you notice:
- Increasing pain, swelling, or redness.
- Fever or chills.
- Numbness or difficulty moving the big toe.
- Persistent discharge from the wound.
- Issues with postoperative footwear or bandage.
- Sudden increase in foot pain or inability to bear weight.
Doctors & Departments
Departments and Specialties
Astenortho has one of the largest and most experienced practices. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
Departments with Related Expertise
Doctors Who Perform This Procedure
Care at Astenortho
Astenortho's Approach
Cutting-Edge Technology
AstenOrtho is Kerala’s Most Tech-Advanced Orthopaedic Hospital, with advanced robotics and some of the finest health-tech, which has proven time and again to give excellent patient outcomes. Our seasoned specialists combine their experience and AstenOrtho’s technological edge to keep evolving the AS.10 Robotic Precision Protocols; to keep pushing the bar of the care delivery models.
Collaboration
We host some of the best surgeons, specialists, therapists, and healthcare workers who work as one strong team to ensure best possible treatment outcomes, and ‘Zero Compromise Care’ for our patients at AstenOrtho.
Compassion
We understand the human urge of keep doing and wanting to do the things they love. At AstenOrtho, ‘Do What You Love’ is the core philosophy that drives us to ensure that we give our best shot in achieving the ‘Desired Mobility’, our patients need.
Experience and Patient Stories
Our Centres & Departments
Center for Spine Surgery
Anaesthesiology
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Centre for Bone & Joints
Centre For Paediatric Ortho
Center for Emergency Department
Centre for Reconstructive Surgery
Advanced Dental Centre
Centre for Ortho Wellness
General Medicine & Diabetology
Centre for Sports Medicine
Costs and Insurance
AstenOrtho is empanelled with leading insurance providers both within and outside India. For more details on a specific insurance provider or to understand the insurance process, you can write to us: hello@astenortho.com
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