Bunion Surgery
Free 20-minute consultation: Before deciding on surgery, you can book a free 20-minute consultation for an in-person examination of your feet. The clinician will discuss suitability, options and next steps. Book your consultation.
Modern bunion correction tailored to your foot and goals. Our team will advise on surgical and non-surgical options.
- Comprehensive consultation
- Personalised treatment plan
- Clear recovery guidance
Step-by-step support from assessment through to aftercare, helping you return to comfortable walking.
A bunion (hallux valgus) can make the big toe drift towards the smaller toes and create a painful bump at the side of the foot. Rubbing in shoes, soreness and difficulty walking can affect day-to-day comfort. If symptoms continue despite non-surgical care, bunion surgery may be considered after a specialist assessment.
Minimally Invasive (MIS) Bunion Surgery
At Foot & Ankle Centre, we offer minimally invasive bunion correction using the Centrolock system. The surgeon makes small incisions and uses specialised instruments to make a controlled bone cut (osteotomy), reposition the bone to improve alignment, then secure the correction with a Centrolock implant while the bone heals. Imaging is used during surgery to help check positioning. Where appropriate, the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic; your surgeon will discuss the anaesthetic plan with you.
The aim is to improve big-toe alignment and reduce pain and shoe pressure while preserving joint movement. Because MIS uses smaller incisions, it may mean less disruption to the surrounding soft tissues and smaller scars than some open techniques. Every operation has risks, and results, pain levels and recovery times vary; MIS is not suitable for every bunion. Your surgeon will explain the options and recommend an approach based on your foot, symptoms and goals.
Recovery after Minimally Invasive (MIS) Bunion Surgery
Your recovery plan will be individual. You may be asked to wear a protective post-operative shoe and follow specific instructions about when and how much weight to put through your foot. Keeping the foot raised, caring for the dressing as advised and attending follow-up appointments can support healing. Swelling can take several months to settle, and returning to normal footwear, driving, work and exercise depends on your progress and your surgeon’s advice.
Want to know whether Centrolock MIS could suit you? Book a bunion surgery consultation at our London or Essex clinics. We’ll assess your foot, talk through the likely benefits and risks, and explain what recovery may involve. Read more about Centrolock MIS bunion surgery.
FAQs
Bunion correction surgery realigns the bones and soft tissues around the big toe joint to remove the bunion bump, straighten the toe, and restore proper foot mechanics. It may involve bone cuts, joint realignment, or fusion, depending on severity.
You may benefit if you have persistent pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, toe crowding or overlapping, swelling or redness, restricted movement, or a bunion that continues to worsen. A consultation will confirm if surgery is appropriate.
Options include minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery, Chevron and Scarf osteotomies, Lapidus fusion, and soft tissue correction. Your surgeon will recommend the best technique based on your bunion’s severity, foot structure, and lifestyle goals.
The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Mild discomfort is expected during recovery but is manageable with standard pain relief.
Most patients can walk in a specialised post-operative shoe immediately. Typical recovery: 2–6 weeks reduced swelling/early mobility; 6–12 weeks return to most daily activities; 3–6 months full recovery. Timelines vary by technique.
Recurrence is uncommon when structural alignment is fully corrected. Our surgeons address the underlying bone and joint mechanics to ensure long-lasting stability.
Risks include infection, stiffness, swelling, nerve irritation, or recurrence. Your surgeon will explain these and take steps to minimise them.
Yes. We offer Centrolock MIS bunion surgery. Whether it is suitable for you depends on your individual foot and bunion; your surgeon will assess you and explain the options, benefits and risks.
It may be an option for some patients. Suitability depends on factors such as the bunion deformity and your foot structure, so your surgeon will advise after an assessment.
Driving is typically safe once you can walk comfortably and control the pedals—usually after 4–6 weeks, depending on which foot was operated on. Confirm with your surgeon.
Contact the Foot & Ankle Centre via our website, call the clinic, or submit an online enquiry. Our team will arrange a personalised assessment and guide you through your options.