Bunion Surgery in Miami, FL

Miami Feet offers specialized surgery for people with persistent pain and discomfort from bunions. Each procedure is tailored to the severity of the condition, helping patients achieve lasting relief and improved foot function. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Curson ensures that each surgery is carefully designed to restore mobility and comfort. Whether opting for traditional or minimally invasive techniques, the goal is to improve the quality of life and reduce long-term complications. Successful surgery often leads to better alignment and the ability to enjoy everyday activities again.

Table Of Contents

What Is a Bunion?

How to Alleviate the Pain Associated With a Bunion?

When Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

Types of Bunion Surgery

Bunion Surgery: An Overview

Recovery After Bunion Surgery

Candidates for Bunion Surgery

Benefits of Bunion Surgery

Cost of Bunion Surgery in Miami

Dr. Curson Is an Expert in Bunion Surgery

Table Of Contents

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion (also called hallux valgus) is a bony swelling often found on the first joint of the big toe. It can be painful because the body’s weight rests on the affected joint each time a person takes a step. Regular activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, might cause extreme discomfort if one has a bunion. The causes of this condition may vary. Some patients develop bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also contribute to these painful formations.

How to Alleviate the Pain Associated With a Bunion?

If you have a bunion, you may notice a bony bump on your big toe, experience swelling and redness, and the area might feel tender to the touch. To alleviate the pain that often comes with this condition, we recommend:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight to help lessen the pressure on your toe
2. Practicing both heating and icing the affected area

3. Wearing wide-fitting shoes to leave plenty of space for your toes and minimize rubbing
4. Look into shoe inserts that can help position your foot correctly

When Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

Bunion surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatments, such as orthotics, padding, or footwear modifications, fail to relieve pain and discomfort. Persistent swelling, difficulty walking, or interference with daily activities may indicate the need for surgical correction. Severe bunions that cause toe misalignment or lead to complications like hammertoes or arthritis often require intervention to restore proper foot function. The decision for operation depends on the severity of the deformity and its impact on mobility rather than just the bunion’s appearance. Addressing the issue surgically can help prevent long-term joint damage and improve overall foot health.

Types of Bunion Surgery

Osteotomy (Bone Cutting)

This surgical procedure involves cutting and realigning the bone to correct the deformity causing the bunion. Dr. Curson makes precise cuts in the metatarsal bone and repositions it to reduce the protrusion, often securing it with screws, pins, or plates while it heals.

Bunionectomy (Removal of the Bump)

This procedure removes the enlarged portion of bone that forms the bunion without adjusting the nearby structures. Bunionectomy is typically recommended for mild cases where the unwanted growth causes pain but has not significantly altered the toe’s alignment.

Joint Fusion (Joint Fusion)

This technique permanently fuses the bones of the big toe joint, eliminating painful motion in cases where the tissues are severely damaged or unstable. Joint fusion provides excellent stability and pain relief but sacrifices some flexibility in the toe.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

This modern approach uses specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions to correct the bunion deformity. It typically results in less post-operative pain, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times than traditional open surgery techniques.

Bunion Surgery: An Overview

Preoperative Assessment

Before any bunion operation, Dr. Curson thoroughly evaluates the foot structure, including X-rays, to determine the severity of the deformity and the most appropriate surgical options. This assessment helps identify whether the bunion affects other toes and whether additional procedures may be necessary to address problems in smaller toes caused by unwanted bony growth.

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia depends on the specific procedure and patient factors. Local anesthesia numbs only the affected area, while regional anesthesia blocks sensation to the entire foot. General anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious, is sometimes preferred for more complex operations. Our team selects the most appropriate option based on the surgical plan and individual health status.

Incisions

Traditional bunion operations typically require a single incision along the inside of the foot, approximately 2-3 inches long. Minimally invasive approaches involve tiny cuts, often just 2-3 millimeters, through which specialized instruments are inserted. Dr. Curson strategically places these incisions to access the affected bone while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and nerves.

Bone Realignment

In osteotomy procedures, Dr. Curson cuts the metatarsal bone and shifts it to a corrected position. Precise measurements guide the repositioning to ensure proper alignment of the big toe and its relationship to smaller ones. After modifications, Dr. Curson secures the bone with internal fixation devices, such as screws, pins, or plates.

Soft Tissue Modification

Bunion correction often requires adjustments to the surrounding soft tissues. Dr. Curson may release tense structures on the joint’s lateral (outer) side and tighten loose tissues on the medial (inner) side. This rebalancing helps maintain the corrected position and prevents recurrence by addressing the underlying misalignments contributing to the bunion formation.

Joint Preparation

During joint fusion procedures, Dr. Curson removes the damaged cartilage from the big toe joint and prepares the area for the operation. He creates raw bone surfaces that will grow together during healing. The procedure is particularly effective for severely damaged joints or when instability requires a more permanent solution.

Fixation Methods

After realignment or fusion, Dr. Curson secures the bones using various fixation methods. These may include titanium screws, specialized plates, or bioabsorbable implants. The chosen fixation technique depends on the procedure, bone quality, and surgeon preference.

Closure

After completing the bone and soft tissue corrections, Dr. Curson irrigates the treated area to remove debris and seal the incision. Layered closure techniques ensure proper healing, with deeper layers closed using absorbable sutures. Minimally invasive procedures may require only adhesive strips rather than stitches.

Recovery After Bunion
Surgery

Week 1: Initial Recovery Phase

The first week following bunion surgery primarily focuses on managing postoperative pain and minimizing swelling. Patients are advised to keep their feet elevated and avoid putting weight on them. A therapeutic shoe or boot is typically worn to protect the foot and aid in its early recovery.

During this period, bone healing begins, but the focus is mainly on ensuring the surgical site remains clean and secure. Pain is often managed with prescribed medication, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Mobility is limited, and patients are encouraged to rest as much as possible to allow for optimal recuperation.

Week 2–4: Early Healing and Mobility

By the second to fourth week, the pain from the surgery typically starts to decrease, and the initial swelling begins to subside. During this phase, patients may start to bear partial weight on the foot with assistance from crutches or a walker. Bone healing continues, although the full recovery takes time. Patients may be advised to wear a special brace or a more supportive shoe to prevent stress on the treated area during this period. While daily activities are still restricted, many individuals can return to light tasks around the house, though high-impact activities remain off-limits.

Week 5–8: Progress Toward Normal Activities

Between weeks five and eight, patients experience significant improvement in mobility. Their bones continue to heal, and most individuals can resume normal activities, such as walking short distances or engaging in non-strenuous work tasks. Swelling may persist but should be noticeably reduced. Full weight-bearing is usually allowed, and patients might begin physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength in the foot. While normal activities become more attainable, care must be taken to avoid overexerting the foot, allowing bone healing to proceed without complications.

Candidates for Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is often considered for individuals whose condition significantly impacts their daily lives and well-being. While conservative treatments may help manage symptoms, operative intervention becomes necessary for those with persistent pain or other complications that hinder mobility. The following groups of people are typically considered candidates for bunion surgery:

Benefits of Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery offers numerous advantages for patients looking to address their foot deformities. Correcting the misalignment and improving function provides long-term relief and enhances quality of life. The following are the key benefits associated with the procedure:

Relief from persistent pain and discomfort

Improved foot alignment and appearance

Prevention of hammer toes and other related deformities

Increased ability to wear a wider variety of shoes, including high heels

Faster recovery due to small incisions

Restoration of regular walking and mobility

Cost of Bunion Surgery in Miami

The cost of bunion surgery in South Florida and Miami, in particular, ranges from $3,000 to $9,000, depending on various factors, such as the procedure, location, surgeon’s credentials, and type of anesthesia. Insurance coverage can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses, but patients must review their policies to understand what is included. A detailed evaluation with Dr. Curson provides a clearer understanding of the financial aspects involved in the procedure.

Dr. Curson Is an Expert in Bunion Surgery

Because bunions can result in other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes and bursitis, we recommend you meet with our podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and information regarding all your treatment options. Dr. Curson will provide guidance about procedures that best suit your case. As a second-generation bunion surgeon with over 40 years of experience, he has deep expertise in the field and can offer excellent treatment for each patient’s needs. Our mission is to help you restore your quality of life and enjoy daily activities to the fullest!