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Bunions

Bunions (hallux valgus) can make everyday steps uncomfortable. Modern minimally invasive bunion surgery realigns the big toe through tiny incisions, typically as an outpatient, same-day procedure. Many patients can take short, protected steps the same day as their surgery.

Bare feet with painful bunions highlighted in red
Specialist examining a patient's bunion

What Is A Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe that forms when the first metatarsal bone drifts outward and the big toe angles toward the second toe. The prominence rubs in shoes, and the joint can become swollen, stiff, and painful. Bunions tend to worsen over time.
 
Contributing factors include inherited foot structure, tight or narrow shoes, flatfoot, and arthritis. While wider footwear, pads, spacers, and inserts can ease discomfort, they do not correct the deformity. See foot and ankle conditions for related problems such as hammertoes.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Through tiny 2 to 5 mm incisions, the surgeon reshapes and realigns the first metatarsal and big toe using specialized instruments under live X-ray guidance. Small screws hold the correction in place.

Benefits

  • Tiny incisions. and smaller scars.
  • Less soft-tissue disruption. often with less pain and swelling.
  • Same-day discharge. from the surgery center.
  • Immediate, protected weight-bearing. in a boot or surgical shoe, as directed.
  • Faster transition. back to regular shoes for appropriately selected cases.

Other options

  • Non-surgical relief. Wider footwear, pads or spacers, inserts, activity changes, and short courses of anti-inflammatories ease symptoms.
  • Lapiplasty. A common procedure that corrects the bunion in three dimensions.
  • Open reconstruction or fusion. May be preferred for severe deformity or advanced arthritis.

Both minimally invasive and traditional approaches can work well when matched to the right problem.

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Are You A Candidate?

People with mild to moderate bunion deformity who have not improved with wider shoes, pads, spacers, or orthotics often qualify. Limited arthritis in the big-toe joint, the ability to follow postoperative instructions, and avoiding nicotine all support better outcomes. Severe deformity or advanced arthritis may still be better treated with open reconstruction or fusion.
 
Your evaluation includes an examination and weight-bearing X-rays to measure the deformity and check the joint.
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Diagram of a bunion at the big toe and a bunionette at the little toe

The Same-Day Experience

Before surgery, you will review imaging and medications and arrange a ride home.

  1. 1

    Anesthesia

    Most procedures use a local nerve block plus light sedation.

  2. 2

    The procedure

    Operating time commonly ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the foot and complexity.

  3. 3

    Going home

    A protective boot or surgical shoe is placed before you leave, with written instructions and a follow-up plan.

  4. 4

    Walking the day of surgery

    Short, protected walking for essential trips only, then elevate to manage swelling. Use crutches or a cane if recommended.

Practical prep: arrange a ride and some help at home, set up a recovery station with pillows, medications, water, and chargers, and have wide-toe-box shoes ready.

Recovery Snapshot

Activity increases gradually as comfort improves and X-rays confirm healing.

First 72 hours

Control swelling

Elevation above heart level and limited steps.

Weeks 1 to 4

Protected walking

Boot or surgical shoe; follow wound-care and icing instructions exactly.

Weeks 4 to 6

Back in sneakers

Many patients transition to wide, supportive sneakers.

Weeks 8 to 12

Low-impact exercise

Some swelling can persist for months as function returns to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery?

People with mild to moderate bunion deformity who have not improved with wider shoes, pads, spacers, or orthotics often qualify. Limited arthritis in the big-toe joint, the ability to follow postoperative instructions, and avoiding nicotine support better outcomes.

Can I walk the same day as bunion surgery?

In many cases, yes. Short, protected walking often begins right after surgery in the prescribed boot or surgical shoe, following your surgeon's weight-bearing limits.

Can both feet be corrected at once?

Sometimes, but many surgeons stage the procedures to make mobility easier during recovery.

When can I return to work?

Desk roles often resume in 3 to 7 days, standing roles in about 2 to 4 weeks or more, and heavy labor in about 6 to 8 weeks or more. Timing is individualized.

When can I drive after bunion surgery?

After right-foot surgery, wait until you are out of the boot and off prescription pain medication. Left-foot surgery may allow an earlier return with an automatic transmission; get specific clearance first.

How is pain controlled after surgery?

Most teams use a multimodal plan: a regional nerve block during surgery, scheduled acetaminophen and anti-inflammatories afterward, and limited opioids only if needed.

What are the risks of bunion surgery?

All procedures carry risks, including infection or delayed bone healing, nerve irritation or numbness, joint stiffness, under- or over-correction, transfer metatarsalgia, hardware irritation, and recurrence. Careful planning and following instructions reduce complications.

Will insurance cover bunion surgery?

Typically yes, when medically necessary for pain and functional limitation, but not for cosmetic correction alone. Check with your insurance provider. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Signs It May Be Time For Treatment

Consider an evaluation when a bunion causes:

  • Pain at the big toe joint with walking or in shoes.
  • A growing bump or worsening angle of the big toe.
  • Redness, swelling, or calluses over the joint.
  • Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.
  • Pain under the ball of the foot or crowding of the smaller toes.
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Woman rubbing a painful bunion beside her flat shoes

Related Conditions

Hammertoe Correction

Toe deformities such as hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe are common conditions that can lead to pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably. These deformities are often caused by imbalances in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement, sometimes worsened by arthritis, genetics, or wearing tight footwear.

Flatfoot Correction

Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or adult acquired flatfoot deformity, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses. This condition can cause pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Over time, the deformity may worsen, leading to joint arthritis, tendon damage, and impaired mobility.

Foot and Ankle

Total Spine & Orthopedics treats common foot and ankle conditions with conservative and minimally invasive care in Melbourne and Orlando, FL.

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, usually from rolling or twisting the ankle. Learn the grades, symptoms, and treatment, and when a sprain needs a specialist.

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries that occur when one or more bones in the ankle break. They can result from a traumatic event, such as a fall or a sports injury, or from gradual wear and tear over time. If left untreated, ankle fractures can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility, making it important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have sustained an ankle fracture.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is irritation of the tendon at the back of the heel, often from overuse. Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Heel Pain

Heel pain most often comes from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or the Achilles tendon. Learn the common causes and how heel pain is treated.

Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a serious condition most often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot weaken, leading to fractures, dislocations, and significant deformity. If not addressed, Charcot foot can result in severe instability, ulceration, and even amputation.

Diabetic Foot Care

Our team of expert physicians provide comprehensive diabetic foot care including infection treatment, wound care, debridement, and more.

Wound Care

Foot wounds and ulcers need careful care, especially with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. Learn how foot wounds are treated and when to be seen.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) causes thick, brittle, discolored toenails. Learn the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Traditional Open Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery compares with traditional open surgery.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the bones and joints.Small incisions, often just a few millimeters.
Soft tissueMore disruption of skin and soft tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
SettingMay involve a hospital stay.Usually an outpatient, same-day procedure.
RecoveryOften more swelling and a longer recovery.Typically less pain and swelling and a faster return to walking.
ScarringA larger, more noticeable scar.Smaller scars.

Minimally invasive techniques generally offer smaller incisions, less soft-tissue trauma, and earlier protected weight-bearing for appropriately selected patients.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Same-day bunion surgery

    Minimally invasive correction performed as an outpatient procedure, with protected walking the same day for many patients.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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