Frequently Asked Questions

You should consider a specialist evaluation if you experience: persistent pain that limits your daily activities, difficulty walking or exercising, increasing deformity of the big toe, problems finding comfortable shoes, swelling or recurrent inflammation around the bunion, development of associated conditions such as bursitis, hammer toes, or pain beneath the ball of the foot, or ongoing symptoms despite non-surgical treatment. The decision to proceed with surgery is based on your symptoms and quality of life—not simply the appearance of your foot. During your consultation, Dr. D'Angelo will perform a thorough examination, review your imaging, and discuss all available treatment options.

No, you will not feel pain during the procedure, as appropriate anesthesia is used. After surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling, particularly during the first few days. Most patients find that their pain is well managed with prescribed medication, rest, elevation, and ice.

Walking is encouraged according to your personalized recovery plan. Many patients are able to bear weight in a protective postoperative shoe shortly after surgery, but the timeline varies depending on the severity of the bunion and the procedure performed.

This depends on which foot is operated on, the type of surgery performed, and whether you can safely control the vehicle. If surgery is on the right foot, driving usually takes longer to resume than surgery on the left. Dr. D'Angelo will advise you when it is safe to drive again.

In selected cases, yes. Whether simultaneous surgery is appropriate depends on your overall health, the severity of the deformities, your home support, and your recovery goals. This will be discussed during your consultation.

No surgical procedure can guarantee that a bunion will never recur. However, careful surgical planning, precise correction, and following your postoperative instructions significantly reduce the risk. Dr. D'Angelo's goal is to achieve a stable, long-lasting correction while preserving the natural function of your foot.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Will I ever be able to wear heels again?” Many patients are able to wear heels again for special occasions once healing is complete, although comfort depends on the height and style of the shoe, as well as your individual foot anatomy. Our goal is to restore a healthy, pain-free foot so you have more choices—not fewer—when it comes to footwear.

Yes. Returning to an active lifestyle is one of our primary goals. The timeline depends on the sport, your recovery, and the procedure performed. Walking and low-impact exercise are generally resumed first, followed by higher-impact activities as healing progresses.

Previous bunion surgery does not necessarily prevent further treatment. Dr. D'Angelo has extensive experience in revision bunion surgery, treating patients with recurrent deformities, persistent pain, stiffness, hardware-related problems, or unsatisfactory results from previous procedures. A detailed evaluation and imaging studies will determine the best treatment options for your specific situation.

Thanks to Dr. Fabio D'Angelo's extensive experience and pioneering endoscopic technique, he is able to treat a wider spectrum of bunion deformities using the Endoscopic TightRope® procedure than is typically possible. His advanced expertise allows many patients to benefit from this innovative, minimally invasive approach who might otherwise be considered for more traditional corrective surgery. During your consultation, Dr. D'Angelo will carefully evaluate the severity of your bunion, joint mobility and flexibility, bone alignment and quality, your age and activity level, your occupation and lifestyle, previous foot surgery if applicable, and your expectations and treatment goals.

Preparation begins well before the day of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. D'Angelo will review your medical history, medications, and imaging, explain the surgical plan in detail, and answer any questions you may have. You may be asked to undergo routine preoperative tests and, if necessary, obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician or specialist.

Some medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or affect healing. It is important to provide Dr. D'Angelo with a complete list of everything you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not stop any prescribed medication without first discussing it with your surgeon or the physician who prescribed it.

If your procedure is performed under general anesthesia or sedation, you will receive specific fasting instructions. These typically include avoiding food and drink for a period before surgery. Always follow the instructions provided by your surgical team.

Yes. If you receive sedation or general anesthesia, you should arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and, ideally, stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Before surgery, it is helpful to: prepare meals in advance, keep frequently used items within easy reach, create a comfortable area where you can elevate your foot, remove loose rugs or obstacles to reduce the risk of falls, and arrange help with shopping, childcare, or pets if needed during the first few days.

This depends on the procedure performed and your personalized recovery plan. Dr. D'Angelo will advise you whether you will need crutches, a postoperative shoe, a walking boot, or another form of support after surgery.

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and the nature of your job. Patients with desk-based work may return sooner than those whose jobs involve prolonged standing, walking, or heavy physical activity. Dr. D'Angelo will provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Travel plans should be discussed before your operation. Longer journeys—especially air travel—may need to be postponed for a period after surgery due to swelling and the increased risk of complications. If you are travelling from another city or country, Dr. D'Angelo will help you plan your surgery and follow-up care appropriately.

Successful recovery is a partnership between you and your surgical team. Following your postoperative instructions, attending follow-up appointments, protecting your foot during healing, and gradually returning to activity all play an important role in achieving the best possible outcome.