In-Office
No Anesthesia Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Keep walking through recovery.
Proven better recovery experience.
Avoids dangerous anesthesia.
Back in gym shoes in 4 weeks!*
*Most cases. Your results may vary.
Watch How Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Works.
Recovery Timeline
0-4 Weeks
Walk right away in surgical shoe. Most people back to work in days = no lost workdays.
4 Weeks
Transition to Gym Shoe. Walking encouraged.
No high impact activities.
8-10 Wks
May begin heavier impact activities depending on bone status.
>10 Wks
Back to full activity.
The above are most cases. Your results may vary.
We don't leave permanent painful hardware in your foot.
We keep our patients on their feet after their surgery.
No scooters, or boots.
Why have bunion surgery in-office without sedation?
Studies show that patients receiving wide-awake local anesthesia for foot surgery report less pain and anxiety during surgery, and have a better postoperative experience compared to those with general anesthesia.
You can see some of those studies here:
Relax in our private procedure room with the help of Nitrous Oxide Gas
We don't use sedation to perform our procedure. However, this does not mean you can't be comfortable. We provide nitrous oxide to our patients to relieve anxiety, and discomfort during your procedures.
Real Patients, Real Results
Watch our patient talk about his experience with our minimally invasive procedure!
Another amazing testimonial!
Superior Cosmetic Result!
No large incisions or scars!
- we do this without permanent screws, plates, or large incisions!
What is a Bunion, and Hammer Toe?
A bunion forms when the bones in your foot, particularly the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, gradually separate, widening the foot. This leads to heightened pressure on the base of the big toe while wearing shoes. Consequently, the big toe shifts toward the lesser toes, causing it to push against the 2nd toe, resulting in a hammer toe. This condition causes pain at the top of the knuckle and the bottom of the foot
Why surgery for bunions and hammer toes?
There are only a few conservative options for painful bunions and hammer toes which often fail to resolve the pain. These would be wider shoes with larger toe box, or wearing a protective silicone barrier ... that's it. Braces simply do not work. Surgery is typically indicated.
The Problem with
Traditional Foot Surgery
The image below speaks volumes. Foot surgery is known for its pain and debilitation due to the use of large orthopedic hardware, heavy anesthesia for significant incisions, and painful metal implants. This leads to extended downtimes, preventing walking and affecting family and job responsibilities, often requiring narcotics for pain relief. But it doesn't have to be this way. Keep reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 3D correction like the lapidus, and do you do lapiplasty?
Yes, this is a 3D correction like the lapidus, but it is not a lapidus or "lapiplasty". Our minimally invasive approach completely moves the big toe joint in a 3-dimensional plane. However, too much forced fixation (as done traditionally) can cause new problems. Our procedure allows immediate weight bearing. We believe this is better than lapiplasty for most people given all the reasons mentioned above. Lapidus has its uses, and is designed for specific bunion types which most people do not have.
How long does it take to recover from minimally invasive foot procedure?
Because there is less trauma to the foot with minimally invasive surgery the recovery is much faster! During your entire recovery you will be able to walk and continue to work with limitations (due to wearing of a surgical shoe). If able most people are back to work in a matter of days. Under normal circumstances you will be back in a regular gym shoe in about 4 weeks! However, activity will still be limited up to 8-12 weeks after surgery depending on the procedure. After this exercise may resume as tolerated.
Does minimally invasive bunion surgery work?
Absolutely! Minimally invasive bunion surgery is almost as old as the profession of podiatry and has been perfected for decades! There are multiple studies performed over the years proving it is as effective as traditional open bunion surgeries. A randomized clinical trial comparing the two surgeries found that they are identical in clinical performance, but "patient satisfaction was significantly superior in the MIS group 12 weeks post-operative":
If you like studies here are more:
What is the pain like with minimally invasive foot surgery?
Minor. In fact, narcotics are not needed. We also provide laser therapy to manage any excess pain during follow-up appointments.
What is it like having surgery at your office?
Have you ever had a dental procedure? Its very similar. Your entire experience will be about 2-3 hours. You may have a light meal prior to your surgery (unlike other surgeries where you must be fasting). You will arrive and relax in our exam room. Vitals will be taken (no IV, or needle inserted as you will be awake for the procedure). The foot will be numbed with a local anesthetic. We use nitrous oxide to help you relax, and have less discomfort during the numbing process. The actual procedure may take 1 hour. After the procedure is complete you will relax in an exam room for a short time to be monitored. Once deemed stable we will provide a post-surgical kit, and you will be able to walk out with a surgical shoe and drive yourself home if able. Though we recommend someone to be with you. You will then follow-up with us weekly!
Do you take (xyz) insurance, or Medicare?
No, we do not contract with any insurances including any Medicare. However, you may still be able to use your insurance (excluding Medicare, and supplement plans). Our procedure is covered with any "out-of-network" coverage you may have, and we can submit an out-of-network claim for you with the exception of Medicare Advantage. With Medicare Advantage plans you will have to submit the superbill yourself.
Dr. Andrew Alward DPM
Board-Certified Podiatrist
A native of Illinois, after completing his medical training in Chicago, IL Dr. Alward relocated to Chattanooga, TN with his wife for the love of the outdoors, great hospitality, and community of Chattanooga! He is honored to serve the area!
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Rosalind Franklin University North Chicago, IL
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Residency Sts Mary & Elizabeth Medical Center Chicago, IL
Board Certified American Board of Podiatric Medicine
Fellow of the American College of Podiatric Medicine
Special Interest & Post-Graduate Education in Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
