A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe when the bones in the front of your foot shift out of alignment. Over time, the big toe leans toward the second toe, and the joint pushes outward — which is the bump you see and feel. Bunions can be caused by genetics, foot mechanics, or years of pressure from tight or poorly fitting shoes. Left untreated, bunions typically get larger and more painful over time.

Traditional bunion surgery is usually performed through one long incision on the top or side of the foot, which can mean more soft-tissue disruption, more visible scarring, and a longer, more difficult recovery. Minimally invasive surgery uses a few very small incisions and specialized instruments to correct the bone from the inside. Most patients experience less swelling, less post-op pain, and a much faster return to normal activities.

In most cases, yes. Most patients leave the surgery center walking on the day of their procedure in a protective surgical sandal. You'll stay in that sandal for several weeks while the bone heals. Your specific timeline depends on your anatomy, overall health, and how well you follow post-operative instructions — Dr. Golub will give you a personalized recovery plan at your consultation.

Every patient heals at a different pace, but a typical minimally invasive bunion recovery looks something like this: patients walk in a surgical sandal the day of surgery, transition back toward regular shoes over the following several weeks, and return to most normal activities in a matter of months. More demanding activities like running or high-impact sports take longer. Dr. Golub will walk you through the full timeline and what to expect at each stage.

Because the procedure is performed through small incisions rather than one long cut, scarring is typically far less visible than with traditional open bunion surgery. Most patients are comfortable wearing sandals and open-toe shoes once fully healed.

Bunion correction is a medical procedure — not cosmetic — and is typically covered by most major insurance plans when medically necessary. Our office will verify your coverage and explain your financial responsibility in plain language before your procedure is scheduled.

Most adult patients with a symptomatic bunion are candidates for evaluation, but the only way to know for sure is a consultation with Dr. Golub. He'll review your history, examine your foot, take imaging if needed, and recommend the approach best suited to your specific bunion, your lifestyle, and your goals.

The first step is a consultation. You can request an appointment online or call our office directly at (602) 973-3888. We'll get you in quickly, review your situation together, and build a treatment plan that fits your life.