Bunions rarely improve on their own. What often starts as mild irritation below the big toe tends to gradually progress into persistent pain, swelling, and visible deformity. Over time, the joint shifts out of alignment, making it uncomfortable to walk, exercise, or even stand for long periods.
At the helm of our Alpine Foot and Ankle team is podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, who specializes in advanced foot and ankle procedures, including minimally invasive bunion surgery. Dr. McCall offers surgical solutions designed to correct the deformity while minimizing tissue disruption.
Surgery isn’t always needed when you have a bunion. Many patients find relief with conservative care such as shoe modifications, padding, activity adjustments, anti-inflammatory measures, or custom orthotics.
Keep in mind that eventually bunions tend to progress to a point where surgery becomes the most appropriate option for correcting the deformity and getting relief. It’s wise to discuss surgical options when:
Bunion surgery is designed to restore alignment, relieve pain, and improve function.
Traditional bunion surgery often involves larger incisions and more extensive soft tissue disruption. Minimally invasive techniques use small incisions and specialized instruments to realign the bone while limiting trauma to surrounding tissues.
Through tiny openings in the skin, Dr. McCall carefully reshapes and repositions the metatarsal bone and corrects the angle of the big toe. He may use fixation devices, such as small screws, to stabilize the correction.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery results in faster recovery, higher patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life compared to open surgery, according to a study published in 2025.
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the bunion and the exact procedure Dr. McCall performs, but most patients are pleasantly surprised to learn they’re not confined to bed rest with minimally invasive bunion surgery.
After your procedure, you wear a protective boot or surgical shoe. In many cases, patients can bear weight on the heel shortly after the procedure. Elevation and limited activity are important during the first few weeks to control swelling and promote healing.
We typically remove stitches within two weeks. Gradual return to regular footwear follows based on healing progress. Full bone healing takes several weeks, and swelling can take a few months to completely resolve.
Dr. McCall provides detailed postoperative guidance and closely monitors your recovery to ensure proper alignment and healing.
When performed appropriately and followed by proper postoperative care, bunion correction is designed to be permanent. However, maintaining results depends on wearing supportive footwear and addressing any underlying biomechanical issues.
For patients with contributing factors such as flat feet or instability, Dr. McCall may recommend custom orthotics to protect the correction long-term.
The size of the deformity, joint flexibility, bone structure, and your overall health influence the best surgical approach. During your consultation, Dr. McCall performs a thorough examination and reviews X-rays to determine whether minimally invasive correction is appropriate for your case.
Don’t let bunion pain impact your mobility and take the joy out of your life. Call or schedule an appointment online today at Alpine Foot and Ankle in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or Alpine, Wyoming, to learn whether minimally invasive bunion surgery is the right next step for you.