Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy: Advanced Bunion Surgery in Prescott, Arizona 

Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy: Advanced Bunion Surgery in Prescott, Arizona

Bunions are a common foot condition that can become increasingly painful and disruptive over time. When conservative measures are no longer enough and you’re ready for a long-term solution, surgical correction may be recommended. Today, patients in Prescott, Arizona have access to one of the most modern approaches available: Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy (MIS Bunion Surgery), performed by Dr. Evan N. Simonson, DPM, Granite Orthopaedics’ foot and ankle surgeon. 

Below, we’ll explain what bunions are, how they’re diagnosed, and what sets minimally invasive bunion surgery apart from a traditional bunionectomy—along with what to expect from the recovery process. 

What Is a Bunion? Understanding the Symptoms 

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe. Over time, the toe shifts inward while the joint protrudes outward, often causing pain and difficulty with shoes. 

Common bunion symptoms include: 

• A visible bump on the inside of the foot 

• Big toe drifting toward the second toe 

• Swelling, redness, or irritation around the joint 

• Pain when walking, standing for long periods, or wearing shoes 

• Stiffness or reduced mobility in the big toe 

As the condition progresses, discomfort typically increases and daily activities become more challenging—making surgical correction an important consideration for lasting relief. 

Diagnosis begins with a detailed examination by Dr. Evan N. Simonson, DPM, who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. The evaluation typically includes: 

• Physical examination to assess toe alignment, joint mobility, and areas of tenderness 

• X-rays to evaluate the severity of the deformity and determine the best surgical approach 

• Functional assessment to understand how the bunion affects gait and activity 

This comprehensive evaluation helps Dr. Simonson determine whether a minimally invasive bunionectomy is the right option for you. 

Both procedures aim to realign the bones of the big toe and correct the deformity—but the techniques and recovery experiences differ significantly. 

Traditional Bunionectomy 

A standard bunionectomy uses a larger incision along the inside of the foot to access the bone and soft tissue. While effective, it requires more extensive dissection, which may result in: 

• More postoperative swelling 

• Increased soft-tissue trauma 

• Longer recovery times 

• Larger scars 

Minimally invasive surgery uses tiny incisions—often just a few millimeters in length. Through these small portals, Dr. Simonson uses specialized instruments to realign the bone and correct the deformity with far less disruption to the surrounding tissue. 

Benefits of minimally invasive bunion surgery often include: 

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring 

• Reduced soft-tissue trauma 

• Less postoperative pain 

• Faster return to normal activities 

• Quicker recovery times 

• Improved cosmetic outcome 

In his recent educational video, Dr. Simonson highlights how MIS bunion correction allows patients to experience a smoother, more comfortable recovery than traditional open procedures. It’s a modern, patient-focused approach that prioritizes both function and long-term comfort. 

Every patient heals at their own pace, but many people appreciate that the MIS technique is designed to make recovery more manageable. 

General recovery timeline: 

Immediately After Surgery 

• Patients typically go home the same day 

• Weight-bearing is often permitted in a postoperative boot 

• Pain is usually less intense compared to open procedures 

First Few Weeks 

• Swelling begins to decrease 

• Dressings remain in place to protect the surgical site 

• Follow-up appointments help ensure proper alignment and healing 

4–6 Weeks

• Many patients transition out of the boot 

• Normal daily activities become easier 

• Sutures are typically minimal due to the small incisions 

8–12 Weeks and Beyond 

• Continued improvement in mobility and comfort 

• Return to regular footwear 

• Long-term structural correction maintained 

Dr. Simonson provides personalized guidance during each phase of healing to help patients safely progress and achieve the best results. 

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Prescott, Arizona 

Granite Orthopaedics is proud to offer minimally invasive bunionectomy to patients throughout Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and surrounding Northern Arizona communities. Dr. Evan N. Simonson, DPM specializes in advanced foot and ankle surgical techniques designed to restore comfort, improve function, and get patients back to the activities they enjoy—with less downtime. 

If you’ve been living with bunion pain and are ready to explore surgical correction, a minimally invasive approach may be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

Schedule a Consultation 

To learn whether minimally invasive bunionectomy is right for you, contact Granite Orthopaedics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Evan N. Simonson, DPM, our foot and ankle surgeon specializing in advanced bunion correction.