What are common complications after bunion surgery?

Common complications include: infection (1-5% of cases), delayed wound healing, nerve irritation or numbness, hardware issues (plates or screws loosening), stiffness, recurrence of the bunion, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Most complications are treatable when caught early.

How do I know if I have an infection after bunion surgery?

Signs of infection include: increasing redness, warmth, or swelling beyond the first few weeks; drainage from the incision (especially if foul-smelling or discolored); fever; increased pain that doesn't improve with medication; and cellulitis spreading up the foot or leg. Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice these signs.

Can I get my hardware removed after bunion surgery?

Hardware removal is sometimes possible and sometimes necessary, depending on the type of surgery and any complications. Some hardware is removed routinely (like temporary pins), while other hardware is meant to be permanent. Discuss hardware removal options with your surgeon before surgery.

How can I minimize scarring after bunion surgery?

Minimize scarring by: keeping the incision clean and dry, following dressing changes carefully, avoiding sun exposure to the scar, using scar creams or silicone sheets after clearance from your surgeon, and avoiding smoking (which impairs healing). Most surgical scars significantly fade over 12-18 months.

Hello! I'm trying to decide between surgical options or no s

From Forefoot Forum

Hello! I'm trying to decide between surgical options or no surgery. I'm 57 years old and have lots of travel and other plans for being active. Problem: painful toes (15+ years) and metatarsal ball of foot (since last fall). Cause of pain: 1) toes stepping on the bottoms of their neighboring toes causing painful sores and 2) prominent metatarsals taking too much impact, leading to stress fractures.

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Comments (7)

Alignment of the foot is dictated by connective tissue not the skeleton. If you debone a fish, it does not change form. The fact that 3 different doctors have 3 different surgical plans, for me, is a red flag.

Community member

Have you tried a shoe with a rocker bottom and a carbon plate or really stiff sole that it doesn't bend? I have walked on my little toe for many years and finally went to wide width shoes even though I don't need a wide width and my toes have naturally spread enough.

Community member

I had a Taylor's bunion and had surgery on it back in January of this year. During surgery, the surgeon broke my 5th metatarsal, shortened it and added a plate and screws along with a bone graft from my heel. I TOTALLY underestimated the recovery. Foot surgery is no joke.

Community member

You might consider doing one of the online foot programs like Gait Happens or Petra Fisher. There is a lot of free content. Wearing minimalist/barefoot shoes has shown me WHERE my gait issues are.

Community member

Your feet sound like mine. I use toe separators...you can find various ones on Amazon, and wear Chaco Z sandals and boots. If I wear them most of the time, I can wear other shoes some of the time.

Community member

ALL surgery carries risk. And that's the risk you take if anyone messes with your feet. Think long and hard about having surgery. It may make things worse. I've read far too many post-surgery foot horror stories.

Community member

I have a new diagnosis for my ongoing metatarsal pain - Morton's neuroma. According to my new doctor yesterday's MRI shows no evidence there was ever stress reactions/fracture as was my prior diagnosis.

Community member