Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction in Arlington, VA
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. Most bunions develop gradually due to pressure from tight-fitting shoes, improper foot mechanics, arthritis or complications of a foot injury. Many people who have bunions also have a family history of bunions, which may be related to inherited foot structure issues, such as flatfoot. Some bunions worsen and become painful over time. In addition to pain and stiffness, a bunion may cause the big toe to curve toward the other toes.
Does a Bunion Always Require Surgical Treatment?
In general, most orthopedic surgeons do not recommend bunion correction surgery for bunions that do not hurt. Additionally, bunion pain can often be managed with proper footwear and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
With that said, bunion correction surgery may be considered to address symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatments, such as:
- Chronic swelling and inflammation in the big toe
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to bend and straighten the big toe
- Foot pain that limits daily activities, such as walking a few blocks while wearing reasonable shoes
- Foot deformity (the big toe curves toward the other toes)
The Latest Techniques in Bunion Surgery
Dr. Matthew Buchanan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia. Having trained extensively with top national and international surgeons, Dr. Buchanan was among the first surgeons in the United States to utilize state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques for bunion and hammertoe correction, bone spur removal and heel alignment correction.
Minimally invasive bunion correction surgery involves the use of tiny incisions, which lead to less soft tissue trauma, less post-operative pain, a better cosmetic outcome and greater patient satisfaction as compared to traditional open surgery. In fact, many patients experience a dramatic reduction in foot pain and a significant improvement in big toe alignment. Nevertheless, it remains important to wear comfortable and properly fitting shoes at all times.
Dr. Buchanan performs minimally invasive bunion correction surgery on an outpatient basis. Within one to two hours after surgery, most patients are ready to go home with bandages holding the toe in position and a special post-operative surgical boot to protect the foot as it heals. Due to the small size of the incisions, sutures are typically unnecessary. Patients are encouraged to immediately bear weight on the heel and outer part of the foot, then gradually put more weight on the foot as the bone heals.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Buchanan in Arlington, VA, to discuss minimally invasive bunion correction surgery, call Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at 703-525-2200 today.
Patient Testimonials
Dr. Buchanan,
Thank you for treating my bunion and making a dream come true for me! I have always wanted this procedure done but by in a safe gentle caring way by a good sympathetic Dr. as you.
Besides being an exceptional Dr., you are an honorable kind hearted and caring person.
– Jesse Ramirez
I cannot thank you enough for my bunionectomy this past summer. I have been putting it off for years due to my nervousness that it would be an incredibly long and painful recovery like everything I’ve read online has said about this surgery. You listened to my concerns about being very active in my life and in my job and you walked me through the quickest path to recovery and gave me ideas and a plan on how to move forward. You eased all my nerves and answered my one million questions in detail. I am so grateful I had my surgery with you, not only because of your minimally invasive procedure which is a much easier and shorter recovery than the traditional kind, but also because of your kind and attentive care. I was back to running in less than 3 months! Thank you!!!
– Abigail Waddill
I am thrilled with the bone healing and correction alignment of all my toe and foot bones
after my minimally invasive bunion and hammertoe correction. Thank you, Dr. Buchanan!
– Cindy Browning
A Life-Changing Bunion Procedure, Worth the Wait
I’d resisted bunion surgery for at least 20 years, heeding the advice of several family physicians who warned of unpredictable and sometimes poor outcomes. Several friends complained of continuing pain and the inability to wear anything but loose-fitting slip-ons or Birkenstocks—all after suffering from many months of recovery and physical therapy.
I’ve revisited the prospect of bunion surgery, but, until recently, nothing had changed about the procedure. My physician continued to advise “treating” the problem with finding shoes that would accommodate the painful right foot.
Fast forward to 2020 (an otherwise pathetic year), when I found myself at the office of Dr. Matthew Buchanan, where I had gone to check out heel pain on the right foot. Upon reading the X-Rays, Dr. Buchanan diagnosed the swollen heel as the result of a bone spur and prescribed several months of physical therapy. In a subsequent follow-up checkup, I inquired about a minimally invasive bunion surgery that I’d read about in a medical newsletter. Serendipitously, Dr. Buchanan explained that he had been doing the MIS with great success.
Since my foot had become increasingly deformed, I decided that I could either deal with a lifetime of increasing pain and workarounds, or opt for the new procedure. As I was moving forward with a decision, I discovered that a neighbor had recently gone to Dr. Buchanan for the less-invasive surgery; she reported a great result, with minimal pain. I was in!
The surgery was done on December 17, 2020. I never took any prescription pain meds, only a couple of Tylenol during the first few days of recovery. Other than failing the “do not get the surgical wrappings wet when you shower” edict, recovery went without incident. I began physical therapy about two weeks after surgery and graduated from PT in early March. While the foot is still slightly swollen, I can wear nearly all my regular shoes–and was able to walk a mile by week 10, with no discomfort.
Imagine my joy when I enjoyed a nail appointment and was able to sport my flashy pedicure in some very cute summer sandals. The foot is beautiful, and more important, pain free—thanks to the skills and precision of Dr. Buchanan.
– Carole Schweitzer
After years of abuse and wear from athletics and occupational injuries, my feet needed help. I was referred to Dr. Buchanan by two friends who are medical professionals (Nurse and a Doctor) in the Northern Virginia/DC area. Dr. Buchanan’s patient interaction is genuine and very professional, his expert knowledge of foot injuries / issues is extremely impressive. Dr. Buchanan performed a Bilateral Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction Surgery on me at an outpatient surgery center. The procedure was as described with minimal pain and discomfort for only the immediate days afterwards. I was able to get around by myself with just a little help from crutches for the first few days, then careful walking thereafter. It was not long before I was walking without concern and a few weeks after that, back to full performance without any bunion pain! I did not realize how my bunion pain, especially my left foot, was causing a slight limp and adversely affecting my left knee and hip. Dr. Buchanan’s minimally invasive bunion correction brought my feet back to life and now through normal walking without a limp, has drastically helped the rest of my joints. I would recommend anyone to Dr. Buchanan and his staff as everyone was very pleasant, caring, and very talented. 5 Stars, 10/10 rating!
– Erik Hrin
Dr. Buchanan is the gold standard and I am so proud that he is my doctor. He did my minimally invasive bunion surgery on my left foot in January and I can’t wait to have the right foot done in November. My procedure and experience in January was so smooth with very little pain. Dr. Buchanan’s personality and bedside manner puts his clients at ease. He is super smart, but can explain everything he is doing so that you can understand it. His gentle and caring demeanor makes you feel super comfortable and he instills trust and confidence in his patients. I consistently refer people to Dr. Buchanan and the entire Nirschl practice. They are true experts in their field. I would not go anywhere else. 😁
– Tina Benedetti
Dr. Buchanan basically rebuilt my whole foot. It had become extremely deformed from a bunion as well as a hammertoe that was dislocated. People are amazed at my before and after pictures, and yet the recovery from this surgery was so easy compared to what friends had described for their more simple bunion surgery. Dr. Buchanan is an awesome surgeon and easy to talk to, and he’s just so straightforward and competent. He’s also very much into natural healing and is very encouraging and accessible. I can’t imagine a better experience.
– Barbara G.