Bunions are bony lumps that form on the side of the feet. Surgery is the only way to get rid of them, but under the guidance of a podiatrist there are many changes you can make ease any pain they cause.
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Bunion Removal
What are bunions?
A bunion, known medically as a hallux valgus, is a bony deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The main sign of a bunion is the big toe pointing towards the other toes on the same foot, which may force the foot bone attached to it (the first metatarsal) to stick outwards. The vast majority of bunions affect people with a genetic pre-disposition to the condition.
When should a patient seek medical help?
A common condition that develops as a direct consequence of bunions, is hammering of the second toe (a cock-up deformity) and this is usually, but not always, associated with pain in the ball of the foot under the second toe joint. Left alone, this symptom will result in deformity which will never spontaneously correct and often progresses in a relentless fashion, ultimately resulting in dislocation of the joint. Therefore anyone with pain under the second toe joint in association with a bunion should seek help as a matter of some urgency. The other group of patients with a bunion who need to seek help are those in whom an infection of the bunion occurs.
Treatment
The only “cure” for a bunion is surgery to correct the deformity. However there are many simple things a patient can do to under the guidance of a podiatrist to put off or avoid surgery, such as a change of shoes.
Recovery time from bunion surgery is dependent on the severity of the bunion. Some patients recover in 6-8 weeks, for others it can take months.
Contact us
To ask a question, make an enquiry or book an appointment, contact our specialist team on 0207 806 4044 or [email protected], the team are available between Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Our foot and ankle team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Foot & Ankle Clinic
This specialist team of highly experienced foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists and physiotherapists diagnose and manage all foot and ankle related conditions and injuries.
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Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0207 806 4044.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
