Hallux valgus correction treats the misalignment of the big toe, commonly known as a bunion. In early or mild cases, symptoms may be managed with conservative measures such as wider footwear, padding, orthotics, or taping to reduce pressure and discomfort. These approaches can help relieve symptoms but do not correct the underlying deformity. When pain persists, function is limited, or the deformity progresses, surgical correction is often recommended. Surgical treatment of hallux valgus is primarily osteotomy-based, meaning it focuses on correcting the underlying bony misalignment rather than simply removing the visible bump. During surgery, the surgeon makes precise cuts (osteotomies) in the first metatarsal and/or toe bones to realign the joint and restore more normal foot mechanics. The bones are repositioned and stabilized using small screws or pins to hold them in the correct position while they heal. In addition to bone realignment, tight soft tissues that pull the toe sideways are released, and the joint capsule may be tightened to improve long-term stability. Several osteotomy techniques are used depending on the severity and location of the deformity, including Chevron, Akin, Scarf, or Lapidus procedures, which may be combined for more accurate correction. In appropriate patients, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques may be used, allowing bone realignment through smaller incisions with specialized instruments. These approaches can reduce soft-tissue trauma, postoperative pain, and swelling, and often allow for faster rehabilitation. After surgery, patients are typically allowed early weight-bearing in a stiff-soled or forefoot-offloading surgical shoe, especially with modern fixation techniques. The foot is usually bandaged to support alignment, and swelling is managed with elevation and icing. Stitches are generally removed after about 10–14 days. While the foot is not placed in a cast in most cases, patients must protect the forefoot and avoid high-impact activities during the early healing phase. Recovery involves a gradual return to normal footwear and activities over several weeks. Most patients wear a protective surgical shoe for approximately 4–6 weeks while the bones heal. Physical therapy or guided exercises may be recommended to restore toe mobility, improve strength, and reduce stiffness. Swelling can persist for several months, particularly in older patients or after more extensive corrections, but continues to improve over time. The goal of hallux valgus surgery is functional improvement — relieving pain, improving shoe comfort, restoring alignment, and preventing progression or recurrence of the deformity. Full recovery varies depending on the complexity of the correction, but most patients return to normal daily activities within weeks and experience continued improvement over several months as healing progresses.