Bunions and Hammertoes Correction

Surgical Correction for Bunions and Hammertoes

Restoring Alignment and Relieving Pain

When bunions and hammertoes cause significant pain and interfere with your daily life, surgical correction is a highly effective option to provide lasting relief. These procedures are not merely cosmetic; they are designed to correct the underlying structural deformity, realign the bones and joints, alleviate pain, and restore normal foot function.

At City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our expert foot and ankle surgeon perform advanced procedures to correct these common deformities, helping you walk comfortably and fit into reasonable shoes again.

When is Surgery the Right Option?

We always explore conservative treatments first. However, surgery becomes the recommended path when you experience:

• Persistent Pain: Pain that continues despite changes in footwear, padding, or the use of orthotics.
• Activity Limitation: When the pain prevents you from walking, working, or enjoying your regular activities.
• Chronic Inflammation: Swelling and redness that does not resolve with rest or medication.
• Progressive Deformity: When the bunion or hammertoe is worsening, causing the big toe to drift significantly or affecting other toes.

Surgical Procedures for Bunion Correction (Bunionectomy)

There is no single surgery for all bunions. Our surgeons determine the best procedure based on a thorough examination and X-ray analysis of your specific deformity. Most modern bunionectomies involve several key steps:

• Realigning the Bone (Osteotomy): The primary goal is to correct the angle of the metatarsal bone. The surgeon makes a precise cut in the bone, shifts it back into its proper position, and fixes it in place with small, specialized screws or plates.
• Removing the Bony Prominence: The noticeable “bump” on the side of the foot is carefully removed.
• Soft Tissue Balancing: The surrounding ligaments and tendons are adjusted to support the newly aligned joint and prevent recurrence.

Surgical Procedures for Hammertoe Correction

The type of surgery for a hammertoe depends on whether the joint is still flexible or has become rigid.

• Tendon Release: For flexible hammertoes, the surgeon may be able to release the tight tendon that is pulling the toe into a bent position, allowing it to straighten.
• Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): This is the most common and reliable procedure for a rigid hammertoe. The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage from the bent joint and fuses the two small bones together. This creates a permanently straight and stable toe. A small pin or internal implant may be used to hold the toe in position as it heals.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery is a gradual process and varies depending on the exact procedures performed. Your surgeon will provide a detailed post-operative plan.

• Immobilization: You will be required to wear a special surgical shoe or a walking boot for several weeks to protect the foot as it heals.
• Weight-Bearing: Instructions will vary. Some procedures allow for immediate walking in the protective shoe, while more complex corrections may require a period of non-weight-bearing with crutches.
• Swelling and Pain Management: Swelling is a normal part of healing and can persist for several months. Your doctor will provide a plan to manage pain and reduce swelling.
• Return to Activity: Most patients can return to regular, comfortable shoes within 6-8 weeks. A full return to high-impact activities and sports will take several months.