Foot & Ankle

Hallux valgus: when should you think about surgery?

Hee Seung Nam, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon · October 28, 2026

The deformity in which the big toe bends toward the second toe and the bone on the inner side of the foot sticks out is called hallux valgus, or a bunion. Genetic tendency, foot shape and footwear are thought to act together. Not every change in shape needs treatment; pain and difficulty in daily life are the basis for deciding.

Assessment in clinic

On a standing X-ray I check the angle of the curve and the shape of the bone. Only with weight on the foot can you see the true deformity. I also consider where it hurts, trouble wearing shoes and your usual activity level.

What you can try first

• Switch to shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel
• Use pads that protect the bump or a spacer between the toes
• Use anti-inflammatory painkillers when the pain is severe

These measures can help reduce pain, but they cannot reverse a bone that has already bent.

When surgery is considered

We talk about surgery when pain continues even after non-surgical measures have been used well, or when walking in shoes is so difficult that daily life is seriously disrupted. The surgical method differs with the degree of deformity in where and how the bone is cut and realigned, and the surrounding soft tissue is sometimes adjusted as well. The time to put weight on the foot and the recovery period also depend on the method, so it is best to hear the specifics in clinic.

What to prepare before the visit

• One or two pairs of shoes you wear often
• A note of which movements hurt the most
• Treatments you have tried so far

This article is general information. Treatment can differ depending on the degree of deformity and symptoms, your age and lifestyle, so please confirm with an examination.