If painkillers, bunion pads or orthotic aids (such as wearing insoles) are unsuccessful at managing the symptoms of bunions, then osteotomy surgery will usually be recommended. The type of surgery you undergo will be discussed with your Consultant beforehand. It’ll depend on the exact condition you have, its severity, the shape of your foot and whether you have any wear and tear (osteoarthritis) in the joint.

Surgery is a successful treatment for around 90% of people, helping to relieve bunion foot pain and improving the straightness of the big toe.

During the procedure parts of bone are removed and the bones of the foot and toe are realigned correctly. Any bunions, or bumps on the joint, will be removed at the same time.

The procedure will help correct the deformity, alleviate the pain associated with the condition and reduce the pressure caused by the big toe jamming against the other toes.

The operation may be carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you’ll be asleep) or a local anaesthetic (so you’ll stay awake but won’t feel anything). The operation usually takes around an hour and you’ll usually go home on the same day.

There are a number of different types of operation used to treat bunions; the type of surgery you undergo will be discussed with your specialist beforehand. It will depend on the exact condition you have, its severity, the shape of your foot and whether you have any wear and tear (osteoarthritis) in the joint.

One common procedure is called a scarf osteotomy (an osteotomy means a cut in the bone) where the bone is cut and rejoined to improve the alignment of the toe. The operation is carried out through one cut on the foot, to the side of the big toe. A tendon is adjusted to bring the toe into the correct position before the bone is cut and realigned. The bone is then fixed with screws and the joint is repaired to keep the toe straight.

In some severe cases, an additional procedure called an Akin osteotomy may be needed to achieve good correction and alignment.