Bunion treatment at the Clínic

Once a symptomatic patient is assessed in person by one of the foot and ankle specialists, weight-bearing X-rays are taken and surgical treatment proposed, if necessary. After being placed on the waiting list, the patient receives a pre-anaesthetic assessment before surgery.  

Hallux valgus surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in the “Major Outpatient Surgery” (CMA) part of the Clínic. Patients can begin to bear weight and use the foot once the leg anaesthesia is reversed.  

The post-surgical nurse phones patients 24 hours after surgery to assess them and offer them an opportunity to ask questions about the surgery or post-surgical treatment. The patient visits the treatment room weekly to change the bandage and check that everything is progressing correctly, for up to 4 weeks after the intervention. A month after the operation, patients visit their assigned surgeon for their first control X-ray. Patients are given contact details upon discharge or during check-ups, and may email or phone us at any time with any questions or concerns they may have. They can also visit the nursing room without an appointment if they damage their post-operative bandages.  

Recovery time varies among patients and surgeries. In addition, the recovery period depends on the expectations and functional needs of each patient. As a general rule, you will be able to stand and walk from the first day of surgery (once the effects of anaesthesia wear off). Functional recovery to perform normal activities is usually 2-3 months. 

However, some discomfort or residual swelling can remain for up to 6-12 months for major surgeries involving several metatarsal bones.