How to Treat Hallux Valgus

“Bunion,” commonly referred to as hallux valgus, is a relatively common condition. When it occurs, surgical intervention is often recommended. In general, surgical treatment yields excellent outcomes and allows for rapid recovery. Specifically, this refers to minimally invasive, painless corrective surgery. Conventional surgical approaches are also available, including soft-tissue procedures and osteotomies (bone-cutting surgeries). Below is an overview of these treatment options:

How Is Hallux Valgus Treated?

The “minimally invasive, painless corrective procedure” is employed for treatment. Depending on the severity of the hallux valgus deformity, surgery typically takes approximately 30 minutes or longer. It is safe, outpatient-based (no hospitalization required), free of adverse effects, and does not impair ambulation. Key advantages include minimal tissue trauma, tiny incisions, intraoperative painlessness, preservation of the joint and surrounding structures, and absence of visible scarring postoperatively. Prior to surgery, detailed consultation and communication with the patient are conducted. Precise pre- and postoperative analysis and localization assessments ensure optimal outcomes. The postoperative appearance is aesthetically pleasing, recurrence is fundamentally prevented, and long-term results are highly favorable.

Conventional surgical treatments for hallux valgus include soft-tissue procedures and osteotomies. The most frequently performed operations are bursa and osteophyte excision, first metatarsal wedge osteotomy, and hallux metatarsophalangeal joint reconstruction. Different procedures suit different patient groups: for instance, bursa and osteophyte excision is generally indicated for elderly patients, whereas first metatarsal wedge osteotomy is more appropriate for younger or middle-aged individuals with severe deformities. These conventional surgeries require incisions at or near the great toe, followed by dissection of skin, joint capsule, nerves, and other adjacent tissues to remove osteophytes or bursae or to perform osteotomy—thereby correcting the deformity and alleviating pain.

Upon completion of surgery, incisions are sutured and immobilized with a cast. If hallux valgus causes only mild functional impairment in daily life or work, conservative management may be considered initially—for example, regular foot exercises and warm foot soaks. However, if your occupation involves prolonged walking or standing, symptoms may worsen rapidly, warranting surgical intervention.

In such cases, surgical treatment—either conventional or minimally invasive—is generally recommended. Minimally invasive surgery has gained increasing popularity in recent years due to its reduced tissue trauma, faster recovery, and shorter disruption to daily activities and work.

We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!