While many bunions are not an issue, surgery can become necessary. Find the right surgeon that fits your needs below, serving Canadians in major cities like Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec.
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Some 6% of Canadians have hallux valgus (bunions), but many do not need surgery. But your bunion may require surgery if it's causing significant pain, deformity in the big toe, immobility, or compromised quality of life.
It's advisable to seek out more conservative treatments before surgery, such as orthotics, padding, or toe spacers. However, if you've already exhausted these measures, and the pain is worsening and foot function is getting worse, then you are likely a candidate for bunion surgery.
Private clinics in Canada charge between $5,000 - $8,000 per foot.
In the United States, the average cost is $8,200 per foot.
Costs vary so much because of location, surgeon experience, facility type, complexity, and included services (some clinics offer all-inclusive, while others charge separately for anesthesia, followup care, etc.).
You also need to take into account the cost of travel and accommodation when travelling out of province.
No, you do not need a referral for private bunion surgery in Canada. You can book a consultation directly with a surgeon, and they will review your condition, symptoms, and any previous treatments or diagnostics.
Bunion surgery aims to correct a bony bump that forms on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe, which causes the big toe to angle towards the other side of the foot. In certain cases, this causes significant pain, swelling, and impaired function in the foot. Practically speaking it makes walking uncomfortable, and many shoes unbearable.
Surgical intervention is used to remove the bony bump, help align the big toe to a natural position, regain proper foot function, and get rid of pain.
Your surgeon will provide you with guidance on how to prepare, but you can expect some pre-surgery exercises to help with stiffness, muscle weakness, and range of motion issues. If you smoke, you will be advised to stop to improve healing outcomes. Depending on your weight, you may be advised to diet and exercise to reduce surgical risks and improve healing outcomes.
Home prep: We recommend taking the time to rearrange your home to prepare for the first few weeks after surgery. Remove anything that presents a tripping hazard (chords, sliding rugs, loose items).
Support: Try to arrange for someone who can reach you in the event of an emergency for the first several weeks/months after surgery.
Work: If possible, you may need to request time off work to recover, especially if you need to be on your feet.
Post-surgery practice: You might consider 'practicing' daily activities with substantially limited range of motion, such as getting in and out of the car, getting in and out of bed, putting on and taking off shoes, etc.
Bunionectomies involve an incision along the top or side of the foot that the surgeon uses to remove the bony bump, and realign the toe and foot muscles and ligaments.
The MICA procedure involves a smaller incision, faster recovery, and less pain and scarring.
Your surgeon will advise you what surgery suits your needs based on severity of your bunion, joint flexibility, presence of arthritis, and foot injury history.
The recovery process varies patient to patient. Your recovery might look quite different, so please seek further guidance from your surgeon. In general here is what you can expect:
Week 1:
Weeks 2-4:
Weeks 5-12:
Weeks 13-52:
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