Bunions (hallux valgus) are a common and often progressive foot condition that can cause significant discomfort, footwear challenges, and interference with daily activities. While early management focuses on non-surgical options, bunion surgery becomes necessary for many patients when pain and deformity worsen despite conservative care.
This guide will help you understand when to consider surgery, what’s involved, and what recovery looks like.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to drift toward the second toe. This misalignment can lead to joint inflammation, swelling, pain, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Contributing Factors:
- Genetics and inherited foot shape
- Poorly fitting shoes, particularly narrow or high-heeled styles
- Flat feet or hypermobility
- Arthritis and joint degeneration
- A related condition, the bunionette, affects the outer edge of the foot at the fifth toe.
📊 Clinical Insight: Bunions are more common in women and can affect up to 23% of adults aged 18–65, and over 35% in people aged 65 and older [1].
When Should You Consider Surgery?
Surgery may be appropriate when:
- Pain persists despite using orthotics or changing footwear
- Your bunion limits your ability to walk, work, or enjoy activities
- There is increasing deformity, stiffness, or joint instability
- Other toes (e.g. the second toe) are becoming affected
- You’re experiencing skin irritation or pressure sores
Delaying surgical intervention can increase the risk of toe deformities, chronic pain, or irreversible joint damage.
Dr Ryan du Sart’s Approach to Bunion Surgery
Dr du Sart performs minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery, which uses smaller incisions and targeted correction, resulting in:
- Less disruption to soft tissue
- Lower post-operative pain and swelling
- Faster recovery than traditional open techniques
Procedure Overview:
- Tiny incisions are made near the base of the big toe
- A burr is used to perform
precise osteotomies (bone cuts) of the
1st metatarsal and proximal phalanx
- Bones are
realigned to correct the deformity
- Zero-profile screws are used for fixation, minimising hardware prominence
- Soft tissue balancing and joint alignment are refined for better long-term function
This technique is suitable for most patients with mild to moderate bunion deformities and delivers both cosmetic and mechanical improvements.
📈
Evidence-Based Outcome: Studies have shown that minimally invasive bunion surgery is associated with
high patient satisfaction, quicker return to footwear, and lower complication rates compared to traditional open procedures [2].
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
✅
Smaller incisions and
minimal scarring
✅ Shorter recovery time
and less swelling
✅ Less post-operative discomfort
✅ Early return to shoes
and daily activity
✅ Improved joint mechanics
and long-term alignment
Recovery After Bunion Surgery
Post-Operative Care
- Walking is permitted immediately in a surgical shoe
- Elevation is key during the first 1–2 weeks to manage swelling
- Crutches may be used initially for support
- Transition to
supportive sneakers typically occurs at 3 weeks
- Gentle mobility and toe-strengthening exercises begin early
Return to Activity
- Light desk-based work:
2–3 weeks
- Standing or walking jobs:
4–6 weeks
- Heavy physical activity or sport:
8–12 weeks
- Full recovery:
6–12 months, depending on healing and activity level
Driving
- Right foot: Wait
6 weeks minimum
- Left foot (automatic car): May return sooner with surgeon clearance
📊 Tip: Most patients report a significant reduction in pain and improvement in foot shape and function within 8–12 weeks.
Is Bunion Surgery Right for You?
The decision to proceed with surgery is highly individual. During your consultation, Dr du Sart will:
- Assess your medical history, symptoms, and functional limitations
- Review any imaging (e.g. X-rays)
- Discuss your lifestyle, footwear needs, and activity goals
- Explain surgical options and expected recovery
A Personalised Approach, Close to Home
Dr Ryan du Sart consults in Bunbury and Busselton, providing modern orthopaedic foot and ankle care to patients throughout the South West region. From initial diagnosis to post-operative rehabilitation, his approach is tailored to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual.
📞 (08) 9779 9767
🌐
www.ryandusart.com.au
📍 South Bunbury & Busselton, WA
References
- Nix S, Smith M, Vicenzino B.
Prevalence of hallux valgus in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Res. 2010;3(1):21.
- Redfern D, Perera A, Dagneaux L. Minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EFORT Open Rev. 2020;5(8):512–520.
