Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bunions & Hammertoes

At European Foot & Ankle Clinic, we offer advanced minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to correct bunions and hammertoe deformities with less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Over time, the joint may shift further out of alignment without proper treatment.

Can Bunions Be Treated Without Surgery?

Non-surgical treatment options may help relieve discomfort but cannot correct the deformity:

• Wearing wide-toed or soft shoes
• Using toe spacers or bunion pads
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen

Note: These methods can help reduce pain, but they won’t realign the toe or make the bunion disappear.

When Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

You may be a candidate for bunion surgery if:

• You have persistent pain and swelling that limits your activity
• Wider shoes, pads, or spacers haven’t provided relief
• You’re unable to find footwear that fits comfortably

Surgery is not recommended solely for cosmetic reasons.

What Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

Minimally invasive bunion surgery, also called percutaneous bunionectomy, uses small incisions (typically 1/8 to ½ inch) to access and realign the joint. This is in contrast to traditional open surgery, which involves incisions 2 to 6 inches long and more disruption of soft tissues.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

• Smaller incisions and minimal tissue trauma
• Faster recovery with immediate weight-bearing in most cases
• Less postoperative pain and swelling
• No tourniquet needed during surgery
• Better cosmetic outcome with minimal scarring

Are All Bunion Surgeries Minimally Invasive?

No. While MIS is effective for many patients, traditional open surgery may be required for:

• Severe or complex deformities
• Cases requiring hardware or implant placement

Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on the severity of your condition.

What About Hammertoe Deformities?

Hammertoe surgery can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques. These procedures correct the bent joint and restore natural toe alignment with small incisions and minimal downtime.

Pioneers in Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

European Foot & Ankle Clinic is a recognized leader in MIS bunion and hammertoe correction. Our surgeons, Dr. Goshko and Dr. Podolskiy, have been performing minimally invasive foot surgeries since 2013 with excellent patient outcomes.

What to Expect After Surgery

• You’ll wear a special post-op shoe and can typically walk immediately once numbness subsides
• For the first 2 weeks, limit activity and keep the foot elevated
• After 2 weeks, a bunion splint may be used to maintain alignment
• Gradually resume daily activities with guidance from your care team

How Successful Is Bunion Surgery?

The vast majority of patients experience long-term relief and improved foot function. However, as with any surgery, there are risks:

• Delayed bone healing (especially if activity restrictions aren’t followed)
• Temporary numbness near the incision site
• Rare complications such as bleeding, blood clots, or recurrence of the bunion

With proper post-operative care, complications are rare and satisfaction rates are high.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Feet

If you’re dealing with bunion or hammertoe pain that’s impacting your quality of life, contact us today to learn more about minimally invasive surgery options. Let our experienced team help you walk comfortably again.