Minimally Invasive Bunion & Hammertoe Surgery

Say goodbye to painful, unsightly bunions and hammertoes with our advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Condition Overview

Understanding Bunions & Hammertoes

Bunions and hammertoes are common foot deformities that cause pain, limit footwear options, and worsen over time without treatment. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to angle toward the other toes. Hammertoes occur when one or more of the smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a claw-like appearance.

These conditions develop due to genetics, improper footwear, biomechanical imbalances, arthritis, or injury. While conservative treatments can manage symptoms temporarily, they cannot correct the structural deformity. As bunions and hammertoes progress, they cause increasing pain, difficulty walking, shoe-fitting problems, and can lead to additional foot complications.

At The Foot Docs in Las Vegas, our board-certified surgeons specialize in minimally invasive bunion and hammertoe correction. Using advanced surgical techniques with smaller incisions and precise instrumentation, we straighten misaligned bones and joints for lasting correction. Our approach means less tissue trauma, reduced pain, faster healing, and quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional surgery.

Symptoms and Signs

Signs You May Need Bunion or Hammertoe Treatment

  • Visible bump on the side of your big toe joint
  • Big toe angling toward second toe
  • Pain and swelling around the big toe joint
  • Redness and inflammation on the bump
  • Difficulty wearing regular shoes
  • Toe bent at the middle joint creating abnormal angle
  • Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
  • Corns or calluses on top of the bent joint
  • Difficulty straightening the affected toe
  • Pain when walking or moving the toe
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Treatment Options

Comprehensive Bunion & Hammertoe Treatment in Las Vegas

We offer both conservative management and advanced surgical correction tailored to your needs.

Conservative Treatments

  • When Caught Early: For mild cases or patients not ready for surgery, conservative treatments can manage symptoms and slow progression:
  • Footwear Modifications Wider, roomier shoes with adequate toe box reduce pressure and friction. Avoiding high heels and narrow shoes prevents symptom aggravation.
  • Custom Orthotics Specially designed orthotic devices correct biomechanical imbalances, redistribute pressure, and support proper foot alignment to slow deformity progression.
  • Padding & Taping Strategic padding protects painful areas from shoe pressure. Taping techniques can temporarily realign toes and reduce discomfort.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications Over-the-counter or prescription medications reduce pain and inflammation during symptom flares.
  • Ice Therapy Regular icing helps manage swelling and provides temporary pain relief.
  • Physical Therapy Stretching and strengthening exercises maintain toe flexibility and foot function.
  • Important Note: Conservative treatments manage symptoms but cannot reverse structural deformities. Surgery is the only way to permanently correct bunions and hammertoes.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Correction

  • Modern Bunion Surgery:
  • Our advanced minimally invasive bunion correction (often called "keyhole surgery") uses tiny incisions—typically 3-5mm—and specialized instruments to realign bones, remove the bump, and restore normal toe position.
  • Procedure Benefits:
  • Small incisions (often less than 1/4 inch)
  • Precise bone realignment using fluoroscopy guidance
  • Less tissue trauma and swelling
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Faster recovery—often walking in days
  • Minimal scarring
  • Lower infection risk
  • Excellent cosmetic results
  • Surgical Techniques Include:
  • Osteotomy: Cutting and repositioning the bone
  • Arthrodesis: Fusing the joint for severe cases
  • Exostectomy: Removing the bony prominence
  • Soft tissue repair: Balancing tendons and ligaments
  • Recovery typically involves wearing a surgical boot for 4-6 weeks with gradual return to normal shoes and activities.
  • Hammertoe Correction Surgery:
  • Minimally invasive hammertoe correction straightens bent toes through small incisions, releasing tight tendons, removing bone portions if needed, and stabilizing the toe in proper position.
  • Procedure Benefits:
  • Quick outpatient procedure
  • Minimal incisions
  • Immediate improvement in toe position
  • Relief from pain and shoe pressure
  • Prevents worsening deformities
  • Can often correct multiple toes simultaneously
  • Surgical Approaches:
  • Arthroplasty: Removing small bone section to straighten toe
  • Tendon lengthening: Releasing tight tendons
  • Joint fusion: For rigid hammertoes
  • Pin or implant placement: Temporary stabilization during healing
  • Most patients walk immediately after surgery in protective footwear with full recovery in 6-8 weeks.

Why Choose Minimally Invasive Surgery?

  • Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive:
  • Traditional bunion surgery requires large incisions (2-4 inches), extensive tissue disruption, and recovery times of 3-6 months. Our minimally invasive approach offers:
  • 85% smaller incisions
  • 50% faster recovery
  • Significantly less pain
  • Reduced scarring
  • Lower complication rates
  • Earlier return to activities
  • Excellent long-term outcomes

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have questions before your visit. Find quick, helpful information about our services, appointment scheduling, insurance, and what to expect from your treatment.

Will bunions or hammertoes go away without surgery?

No. Bunions and hammertoes are structural deformities that progressively worsen over time. Conservative treatments can manage pain and slow progression, but surgery is the only way to permanently correct the deformity. The longer you wait, the more severe the condition becomes and the more complex the surgery may be. Early intervention typically means simpler procedures and better outcomes.

Recovery is significantly faster than traditional surgery. Most patients walk immediately in a surgical boot, return to desk work within 1-2 weeks, drive within 2-3 weeks (right foot may take longer), wear athletic shoes at 6 weeks, and resume full activities including exercise by 8-12 weeks. Individual healing varies, but minimally invasive techniques typically cut recovery time in half compared to traditional approaches.

Modern minimally invasive surgery causes significantly less pain than traditional procedures. We use advanced anesthesia techniques including nerve blocks that provide 24-48 hours of pain relief after surgery. Most patients describe post-operative discomfort as manageable with prescribed medications. Many report less pain than they expected and significantly less than the chronic pain they experienced before surgery.

When performed correctly by experienced surgeons, minimally invasive bunion surgery has excellent long-term success rates with recurrence rates under 10%. Success depends on surgical technique, proper bone healing, and following post-operative instructions. Wearing appropriate footwear and using custom orthotics if recommended helps maintain correction and prevent recurrence.

While technically possible, we typically recommend treating one foot at a time to maintain mobility during recovery. This allows you to bear weight on the non-surgical foot while the treated foot heals. However, for certain patients and specific circumstances, bilateral surgery may be appropriate. We’ll discuss the best approach during your consultation based on your individual situation.

Return to work depends on your job. Desk jobs: 1-2 weeks. Jobs requiring standing: 4-6 weeks. Heavy labor or prolonged standing: 8-12 weeks. For exercise: walking begins immediately, swimming at 4-6 weeks, cycling at 6-8 weeks, running and high-impact activities at 10-12 weeks. We provide a detailed activity timeline specific to your procedure and healing progress.

Yes, most insurance plans cover medically necessary bunion and hammertoe surgery when conservative treatments have failed and the condition causes pain or functional limitation. Purely cosmetic procedures may not be covered. We verify your insurance benefits, obtain pre-authorization, and provide cost estimates before surgery. Our staff handles insurance paperwork to make the process as smooth as possible.

We can often address multiple deformities during the same surgery, which is more efficient than separate procedures. During your consultation, we’ll examine all affected areas and recommend a comprehensive surgical plan that corrects all issues while optimizing recovery. Many patients have combination procedures with excellent outcomes.

Surgery is typically recommended when: pain interferes with daily activities, conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief, the deformity is progressing, you have difficulty finding shoes that fit, or quality of life is significantly impacted. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss all options, and help you make an informed decision. We never rush patients into surgery—it’s your choice based on your symptoms and goals.

Ready for Relief?

If foot or ankle pain is holding you back, our board-certified Las Vegas podiatrists are here to provide the expert solution you need.

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