One of the most common misconceptions about bunion surgery is that recovery always takes six months or longer. While this may have been true for some traditional procedures, advances in surgical techniques mean that recovery can now be much quicker for many patients.

What is keyhole bunion surgery?

Keyhole, or minimally invasive, bunion surgery is performed through very small incisions using specialised surgical instruments. During the procedure, the bones of the big toe are carefully realigned to improve the position and function of the joint while helping to relieve the pain caused by the bunion.

Because the surgery is carried out through small incisions rather than a large open cut, there is typically less disruption to the surrounding soft tissues.

What can you expect after surgery?

Recovery varies from person to person, but many patients are surprised by how quickly they are able to return to everyday activities.

In many cases:

• Patients are able to walk on the same day as their surgery using a protective post-operative shoe.
• By around six weeks, many people are back in comfortable footwear and returning to their normal daily routine.
• Full recovery generally takes up to three months as the bones continue to heal and swelling gradually settles.

Your surgeon will provide personalised advice based on your individual circumstances, overall health and the severity of your bunion.

Is keyhole surgery suitable for everyone?

Although minimally invasive bunion surgery offers many benefits, it is not the right option for every patient. Factors such as the shape of the foot, the severity of the bunion and any underlying medical conditions will all influence which treatment is most appropriate.

A thorough assessment with a foot and ankle specialist is the best way to determine the most suitable approach.

If you’ve been delaying bunion surgery because you’ve heard recovery takes six months, it’s worth knowing that modern techniques have changed the patient experience considerably. For many people, keyhole bunion surgery allows for a quicker return to walking, everyday activities and comfortable footwear than traditional methods, while still achieving the goal of correcting the bunion and relieving pain.

As with any surgical procedure, recovery timelines vary, and your surgeon will guide you through what to expect based on your individual needs. Please watch this video below from Mr Suresh Chandrashekar