PERCUTANEOUS SURGERY IN ALICANTE

Bunion Surgery in Alicante

Walk again without pain. No screws. No long recovery time.

If you’ve been putting off surgery because you’re afraid of the pain or recovery, this page is for you. At Clínica San Román, we have been treating hallux valgus for over 45 years, and today we perform minimally invasive percutaneous surgery (MIS): millimeter-long incisions, local anesthesia, and most patients walk out on their own the same day.

▶ See real results

⭐ 4.8/5 (190 Google reviews) · 🏅 Cert. MIS23BE03 (American Board) · 🇪🇺 Service available in 5 languages

Foot with hallux valgus (bunion) — Clínica San Román Alicante, specialists in minimally invasive surgery (MIS)

Backed by 45 years of experience

45+ years old

Family clinic founded in 1979

🏅 MIS23BE03

First in Europe to receive American Board certification in minimally invasive foot surgery

⭐ 4.8

190 verified reviews on Google

🇪🇺 5

Languages: ES · EN · NL · FR · DE

Led by Dr. José Manuel San Román Pérez (founder) and Dr. Israel San Román Sirvent, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Surgery since 1986.

Anatomical infographic of hallux valgus — deviation of the first metatarsal and big toe

What is a bunion, and why does it develop?

Hallux valgus —commonly known as a bunion—is a progressive foot deformity in which the big toe shifts toward the other toes and pushes the first metatarsal bone outward, creating that characteristic bony bump on the inner edge of the foot.

It is not just a “cosmetic bump.” Over time, the displacement causes inflammation, pain when walking, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, and often secondary deformities in the adjacent toes (claw toes or hammer toes).

Why does it appear?

Bunion formation is caused by multiple factors. There is rarely a single cause:

Genetics — up to 83% of cases have a family history.
Footwear — high heels and pointed-toe shoes worn for years.
Foot type — flatfoot, joint hypermobility, short first metatarsal.
Inflammatory diseases — rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis.
Previous foot injuries.
Occupation — spending many hours standing on hard surfaces.

That’s why, even if you’ve taken good care of your feet and done everything right, you might still have bunions—it’s not your fault.

Symptoms: What do you feel, and when should you see a doctor?

The symptoms of hallux valgus develop gradually. Be on the lookout for the following:

Pain and swelling on the outside of the big toe.
A bony protrusion on the inner side of the foot is becoming increasingly visible.
Deviation of the big toe toward the other toes.
Calluses and blisters caused by friction from footwear.
Stiffness and limited movement in the thumb.
Associated deformities: claw toes or hammer toes.

🔴 When to seek help without delay

The pain also occurs at rest or at night.
The shoes that used to fit you no longer do.
Calluses, claw toes, or pain on the sole of the foot may develop.
You’ve tried insoles, arch supports, and different shoes , but nothing helps.

Putting off surgery does not improve a bunion: it makes it worse and complicates the recovery process.

Woman with bunion pain in her foot — symptoms of hallux valgus that require evaluation by a podiatrist

Effects of high-heeled shoes on the development of bunions, hammer toes, and hallux valgus

Can bunions be treated without surgery?

Not all bunions require surgery. In mild or moderate cases without limiting pain, conservative treatments may be sufficient for years to slow progression and relieve symptoms:

Wide-fitting shoes with heels less than 5 cm high and thick soles.
Custom insoles based on a gait analysis.
Silicone separators and overnight treatments.
Specific exercises and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the foot.
Prescription anti-inflammatory medications for occasional flare-ups.

⚠️ What these measures DO NOT do: they do not eliminate the bunion. They only slow its progression or provide relief. The bone deformity can only be corrected with surgery. If the pain is affecting your daily life, minimally invasive surgery is the definitive solution.

Minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus

The most advanced technique for correcting bunions. No screws. No general anesthesia. Same-day discharge.

We treat hallux valgus using percutaneous surgery (MIS: Minimally Invasive Surgery). This is the gold standard technique in Europe for correcting bunions and the only one we perform at Clínica San Román for this condition.

Dr. Israel San Román was one of the first specialists in Europe to obtain a subspecialty certification in Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery from the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (certificate MIS23BE03). He has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Surgery since 1986 and is a member of GRECMIP, AMIFAS, AEMIS, and AOFAS.

Traditional Open Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery at Clínica San Román

*Results may vary depending on each patient’s case.*
	Traditional open surgery	MIS at Clínica San Román
Incision	5 to 8 cm	Millimeter (2–3 mm)
Anesthesia	General or spinal	Local
Fastening	Screws, pins, or plates	No screws or foreign objects
Hospital admission	Regular	Outpatient — same-day discharge
Wandering	Crutches / immobilization for weeks	You can walk the same day in your post-operative shoes
Recurring sick leave	6 to 12 weeks	2 to 4 weeks
Scar	Visible	Virtually imperceptible

Results before and after minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery at Clínica San Román

▶ Video: Real-world results following MIS surgery

Dr. Israel San Román reviews the progress of a foot that underwent surgery some time after the procedure.

Realistic recovery after MIS surgery

Day 0: The patient walks out of the clinic wearing a special postoperative shoe.
First week: Rest with the foot elevated. Minimal or no pain, manageable with standard pain relievers.
Weeks 2–4: Gradual return to daily activities and work. Driving is usually possible within 2–3 weeks.
Weeks 4–6: Full functional recovery is typical. Resume low-impact physical activity.
Recurrence: rare when postoperative instructions are followed.

Senior couple walking pain-free after bunion surgery — an active life regained — *Walking again, walking pain-free, and returning to your active life—that is the goal of every MIS surgery we perform.*

A specialized podiatrist examining the foot of a patient with a bunion — diagnosis at Clínica San Román in Alicante

What is your first appointment with us like?

The initial consultation is free and requires no commitment. In just 30 minutes, we’ll clear up any questions you may have. Here’s what we do:

Physical examination of the foot and review of your medical history.
X-ray examination to accurately assess the degree of deformity.
Biomechanical gait analysis when necessary.
A clear explanation of whether your case is suitable for MIS, what the procedure would involve, and what results to expect.
Fixed price, no surprises.

We provide services in Spanish, English, German, French, and Dutch. We are a leading clinic on the Costa Blanca for patients from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France who travel to Alicante for surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bunions and MIS Surgery

📋 About your case

Are bunions hereditary?

Yes, there is a significant genetic predisposition. Up to 83% of patients with hallux valgus have a direct family history of the condition. If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you are at a real risk, but surgery can correct the current deformity regardless of your family history.

At what age do they usually appear?

They can occur at any age, but are more common after age 40. In patients with a strong family history, they may appear during adolescence. There is no upper age limit for surgery: MIS surgery is also suitable for patients aged 70–80 who are in good overall health.

Do men get bunions too?

Yes. Although the incidence is 7 to 9 times higher in women due to the type of footwear they wear and the structure of their feet, men can also develop hallux valgus, especially when there is a genetic predisposition or biomechanical factors involved.

How do they affect quality of life if left untreated?

Untreated hallux valgus can lead to chronic pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, secondary deformities, metatarsalgia, arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and progressive limitations in walking and participating in sports.

🏥 About the surgery

What type of anesthesia is used?

In MIS surgery, we typically use local anesthesia, which numbs only the area of the foot. In some cases, light sedation may be added. This eliminates the risks associated with general or spinal anesthesia and allows for same-day discharge.

When will I be able to drive or go back to work?

It varies depending on the patient and their occupation. Most patients are able to drive within 2–3 weeks and return to sedentary work within 2–4 weeks. For professions that require prolonged standing, full recovery typically takes 4–6 weeks.

Do bunions come back after surgery?

Recurrence after MIS surgery is rare when postoperative recommendations (appropriate footwear, exercises, follow-up visits) are followed. In some patients with a genetic predisposition, long-term recurrence may occur.

What kind of rehabilitation will I need?

Rehabilitation includes physical therapy to restore mobility and strength, stretching exercises, wearing a post-operative shoe for the first few weeks, and simple wound care. We will provide you with a personalized care plan after the procedure.

❌ Myths to Debunk

Do bunions only develop from wearing high heels?

False. Improper footwear can worsen the condition, but bunions are caused by multiple factors: genetics (up to 83%), foot type, joint hypermobility, inflammatory conditions, and trauma also play a role. That is why they can also develop in women who have never worn high heels.

Do insoles get rid of bunions?

False. Insoles can relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the condition, but they do not correct the bone deformity. Only surgery can permanently remove a bunion.

Can they be treated with home remedies?

Home remedies may provide temporary relief, but they do not correct the bone misalignment or slow its progression. A professional evaluation is required.

Is bunion surgery very painful?

False using MIS. Minimally invasive surgery causes significantly less postoperative pain than traditional open surgery. The pain is usually managed with standard pain relievers during the first few days.

Do all bunions require surgery?

False. Many patients can manage mild hallux valgus with conservative treatment for years. Surgery is recommended when pain limits quality of life or the deformity progresses rapidly.

Do I need to remove the screws afterward?

With the MIS technique used at Clínica San Román, no screws, pins, or plates are used. There are no osteosynthesis materials to remove later, which eliminates the need for a second surgery.

Scientific bibliography and references

Minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery (specific references):
– Isham SA. The Reverdin-Isham procedure for the correction of hallux abducto valgus. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 1991. [PubMed]
– Bösch P, Wanke S, Legenstein R. Hallux valgus correction by the method of Bösch. Foot Ankle Clin. 2000;5:485-98. [PubMed]
– Vernois J, Redfern DJ. Percutaneous chevron; the union of classic stable fixation, third generation percutaneous techniques. 2013. [PMC]
– De Prado M, Ripoll PL, Golanó P. Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery: Surgical Techniques, Indications, Anatomical Basis. 2009.
– Lewis TL et al. Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Open Procedure for Hallux Valgus: Meta-Analysis. Front Surg. 2022. [DOI]
– Redfern DJ, Vernois J. Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin (MICA) for Correction of Hallux Valgus. Tech Foot Ankle Surg. 2016. [PubMed]

Regional anaesthesia and pain management in foot surgery:
– Beskin JL, Baxter DE. Orthopedics. 1987;10(1):109-11. [PubMed]
– Myerson MS, Ruland CM, Allon SM. Foot Ankle. 1992;13(5):282-8. [PubMed]
– Needoff M, Radford P, Costigan P. Foot Ankle Int. 1995;16(1):11-3. [PubMed]
– Sarrafian SK, Ibrahim IN, Breihan JH. Foot Ankle. 1983;4(2):86-90. [PubMed]
– Coughlin MJ, Mann RA. AAOS Instructional Course Lectures. 1987;36:137-60. [PubMed]

Free podiatric evaluation at Clínica San Román — specialists in minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus

Should we keep putting it off, or should we just go for it?

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably been thinking about it for a while. The initial consultation is free and requires no obligation. In 30 minutes, we’ll clear up any doubts: whether your bunion can be treated with MIS, what your recovery will be like, and what results you can expect.

📞 +34 965 921 156
✉️ info@clinicasanroman.com
📍 Av. del Dr. Ramón y Cajal 1, 03001 Alicante
🌐 Service available in Spanish, English, German, French, and Dutch