Bunion surgery
Bunion surgery realigns the big toe and narrows the foot to relieve pain and make walking and wearing shoes more comfortable.
Bunion surgery overview
A bunion develops when the big toe moves towards the smaller toes, creating a painful bump on the side of the foot. Surgery may be recommended when pain continues despite treatments such as wider footwear, insoles or toe spacers. There are several types of bunion surgery. Two of the most common are scarf osteotomy and chevron osteotomy. Your specialist will recommend the most suitable procedure for the shape of your foot and the severity of your bunion.
How is surgery carried out?
Bunion surgery is usually performed as day-case surgery under a general anaesthetic. You may also have an injection in your foot to help control pain after the operation.
Your surgeon will remove the bony bump and realign your big toe. This usually involves cutting and repositioning the long bone behind the toe, known as the metatarsal. The bone is then held in its new position with small metal screws, which normally remain in the foot.
Are there any risks?
Most people recover well, but possible risks include:
- Infection
- Numbness caused by irritation or damage to a nearby nerve
- The bunion being under-corrected or returning
- The toe being over-corrected
- A blood clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Your specialist will explain these risks and answer any questions before surgery.
Recovery from bunion surgery
Protecting your foot
Wear your hospital shoe as advised and limit the time you spend walking. Keep the dressing dry and raise your foot regularly.
Supported walking
Your bandage will usually be removed and you may be given a toe splint. You can normally continue putting weight through your foot while wearing the hospital shoe.
Returning to everyday activity
An X-ray will check your progress. You may then return to your own shoes and gradually increase your activity. Most people reach a good level of activity by around three months.
Working with foot and ankle professionals and teams
Our foot and ankle specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their feet and ankles. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Bunion surgery FAQs
You must be able to control the vehicle safely and perform an emergency stop without pain or hesitation. This can take at least six weeks. Ask your specialist for advice and check with your vehicle insurer before driving.
If you have a desk-based job, you may be able to return after around four weeks. If your work is physically demanding, you may need up to eight weeks away.
You can gradually return to activity as your foot heals. Many people reach a good level of activity by around three months, although full recovery can take six to 12 months.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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