"Can I Have Surgery on Both Feet at Once for Hallux Valgus?"… Personalized Judgment is Key

If the area around your big toe protrudes and you feel pain every time you wear shoes, you may need to suspect hallux valgus (bunions). Hallux valgus is one of the most common foot deformities, characterized by the big toe gradually shifting toward the second toe, creating a bony bump at the base joint. As the deformity progresses, pain, discomfort in footwear, and difficulty walking for long periods intensify.

Hallux valgus often appears in both feet simultaneously. It is not uncommon for patients to visit the clinic due to pain in one foot, only to be diagnosed with a progressing deformity in the other. Naturally, many patients ask: "Can I have surgery on both feet at the same time?"

In short, simultaneous surgery on both feet is possible. If both feet are deformed, correcting them in a single surgical session can be considered. The clear advantages include undergoing anesthesia and hospitalization only once and completing the entire recovery process in one go. This can be a practical alternative for office workers or self-employed individuals who need to minimize their time away from work.

However, simultaneous bilateral surgery is not suitable for all patients. The feet support the weight of the entire body. If surgery is performed on only one side, weight can be distributed to the other foot, but if both are operated on at once, initial mobility is significantly limited. Special footwear or walking aids may be required immediately after surgery, and the recovery process can be more taxing for elderly patients or those with underlying health conditions.

Dr. Hong-Joon Choi, Director of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic (located near Gangil Station in Gangdong-gu, Seoul), emphasizes: "The decision for simultaneous bilateral surgery must be made by comprehensively considering the degree of deformity in each foot, the patient's age and physical strength, occupation and activity level, underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, and the availability of a caregiver at home. Safe recovery must take priority over convenience."

For patients with moderate to severe deformity or complex forefoot issues, a staged approach—operating on one foot at a time—is recommended. Typically, performing the second surgery 2 to 3 months after the first allows for a more stable recovery. For those in occupations requiring heavy weight-bearing or long hours of walking, staged surgery may be more advantageous from a long-term recovery perspective.

Hallux valgus surgery has advanced significantly, with MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron & Akin Osteotomy) being one of the most notable methods. This technique involves making only 3 to 4 tiny holes in the skin to realign the deformed bone. Compared to traditional open surgery, it minimizes soft tissue damage and leaves almost no scarring. The procedure is quick (approx. 20–30 minutes), and patients can often walk the very next day, allowing for a swift return to daily life.

However, minimally invasive surgery is not applicable to all cases. For severe deformities, Open Osteotomy may be necessary to fully restore alignment and stability. Open surgery is effective even for high-degree deformities and offers a low recurrence rate.

"No single surgical method is absolutely superior," Dr. Choi explains. "The correct treatment is choosing the safest and most suitable method tailored to the patient's specific deformity angle, foot structure, and lifestyle."

Dr. Hong-Joon Choi, Director of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic, is a foot and ankle specialist who holds a Ph.D. from Korea University and served as a Research Fellow at the Foot and Ankle Research Innovation Lab (FARIL) within the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School. He is a co-author of the revised medical textbook Foot and Ankle, published by the Korean Foot and Ankle Society. To date, Dr. Choi has treated over 80,000 patients and performed approximately 9,000 surgeries, possessing a wealth of clinical experience.

Dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle conditions—including hallux valgus, ligament and cartilage injuries, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and ankle arthritis—Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic strives to provide the best care for patients in Gangdong-gu, Hanam, and the Misa area.

If you are concerned about hallux valgus, we recommend seeking an accurate diagnosis and thorough consultation to decide on the best treatment direction before the deformity progresses further.

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