Bunion Surgery
in Los Angeles
Painful, progressive bunions corrected by a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey. Same-week consults available.
Foot & Ankle Conditions
Understanding Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a progressive deformity in which the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes and a bony prominence develops at the base of the great toe. It is not simply a bump on the surface: the underlying first metatarsal and phalanx bones are misaligned and the joint capsule is stretched, which is why over-the-counter devices cannot reverse it. Bunions tend to worsen over time and can make wearing shoes, walking, and athletic activity painful. Related forefoot deformities, including bunionettes (a similar prominence at the base of the fifth toe) and hammertoes, frequently occur alongside bunions.
Know the Signs
Symptoms & When to See a Surgeon
- Visible bump at the base of the big toe that enlarges over time
- Pain or soreness around the joint, especially in shoes
- Redness, swelling, or restricted big-toe motion
- Difficulty fitting into or wearing normal footwear
- Overlapping toes, calluses, or a developing hammertoe
Tailored to the Deformity
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical
Conservative Care
Footwear modification (soft uppers, avoiding narrow or pointed toes and high heels), temporary toe spacers for symptom relief, and activity adjustment. Note: orthotics and braces relieve symptoms but do not reverse the deformity.
Advanced Deformity
Reconstructive Correction
When the deformity is advanced, surgery reshapes the metatarsal (and sometimes the phalanx) and tightens the stretched joint capsule to restore alignment and relieve pain.
Why See a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon (MD)?
Bunion correction is reconstructive surgery of the bone and joint. A board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon offers the full range of surgical options and the expertise to match the procedure to your foot and your goals.
Recovery
What Recovery Looks Like
Protected Early Phase
Open-toe surgical shoe initially to protect the correction.
Bone Healing
Progressive weight-bearing per Dr. Dixon’s protocol; healing cannot be rushed.
Return to Normal Shoes
Transition to tennis shoes typically no sooner than about 4 months post-op.
Back to Activity
Gradual return to full activity, sandals, and exercise as healing allows.
Related Care
Related Forefoot Conditions Dr. Dixon Treats
- Hammertoes: deformities of the lesser toes from muscular imbalance; treated with footwear changes or, when needed, joint realignment surgery.
- Arthritis of the Great Toe (Hallux Rigidus): stiffness and pain in the big-toe joint; options range from conservative care to joint-preserving or fusion surgery.
- Sesamoid Injuries: pain beneath the big-toe joint from sesamoiditis or a sesamoid fracture; treated conservatively or, when needed, surgically.
- Bunionette: a bunion-like prominence at the base of the fifth toe.
What Patients Say
Patient Reviews
Patient Questions
Bunion Surgery FAQs
For a painful, progressive bunion that limits footwear and activity, surgical correction realigns the joint and
relieves pain. Dr. Dixon evaluates each patient individually and recommends surgery only when it is the right
option.
No. The goal is a comfortable, properly aligned foot within your existing shoe size.
Most patients wear a protective open-toe shoe initially and return to normal athletic shoes no sooner than about four months, depending on the procedure and healing.
Footwear changes and toe spacers can ease symptoms, but no orthotic, brace, or device reverses the deformity itself.
In most cases you can schedule a consultation directly. Call (310) 437-7922.
Same-week consultations are often available.
About Your Surgeon
Alexis E. Dixon, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Dixon is a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon practicing in Marina Del Rey, California. USC-trained and named an LA Magazine Top Doctor since 2017, she combines surgical expertise with a conservative-first philosophy, treating the underlying joint and tendon, not just the symptom. She treats ganglion cysts, bunions, Achilles injuries, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and the full range of foot and ankle conditions.
Meet Dr. Dixon →Take the First Step Toward
Pain-Free Walking
Get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored bunion treatment plan from a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey.