By adjusting bone position, osteotomy enhances joint alignment and overall foot mechanics.
When foot pain becomes part of your daily life—whether due to bunions, arthritis, or deformities—every step can feel like a struggle. Fortunately, modern foot surgery offers a powerful solution: osteotomy surgery. This surgical procedure is designed to realign bones in the foot, improve joint function, and significantly reduce chronic discomfort.
At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating structural foot problems with the latest techniques in osteotomy and foot reconstruction. Whether you’re dealing with a bunion, hammertoe, or misalignment due to injury, our goal is to restore both your comfort and confidence when walking.
What Is Osteotomy?
Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones to correct alignment issues. In the context of foot and ankle health, osteotomy is often used to treat deformities such as:
By altering the structure of the bone, osteotomy surgery helps shift weight distribution across the foot, ease pressure on affected joints, and eliminate pain caused by improper alignment.
Common Types of Foot Osteotomy
Depending on the underlying condition, different types of osteotomies may be recommended:
Bunion Osteotomy (Hallux Valgus Correction): One of the most common procedures, this involves cutting the metatarsal bone to realign the big toe and remove the bony bump.
Calcaneal Osteotomy (Heel Bone Realignment): Used to treat flatfoot or high arches by reshaping the heel bone to correct the way weight is distributed across the foot.
Metatarsal Osteotomy: Often done for metatarsalgia or second toe deformities, this involves repositioning the long bones of the forefoot.
Tarsal Osteotomy: Involves the bones in the midfoot and is typically done to address more severe or congenital deformities.
Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms.
When Is Osteotomy Recommended?
If you’ve tried conservative treatments like custom orthotics, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications without lasting relief, it may be time to consider osteotomy surgery. Signs that you may need surgical intervention include:
Persistent or worsening foot pain
Visible deformity (e.g., bunions or hammertoes)
Limited mobility or stiffness in your toes or foot
Shoes becoming increasingly difficult or painful to wear
Joint degeneration or arthritis confirmed via imaging
The board-certified podiatric specialists at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center will perform a full evaluation, including imaging studies, gait analysis, and physical exams, to determine whether an osteotomy is right for you.
Benefits of Osteotomy Surgery
With osteotomy, patients can regain a more natural gait and pain-free movement.
While any surgical procedure carries risks, the advantages of a properly performed osteotomy can be life-changing:
Pain relief: Osteotomy addresses the root cause of foot pain by correcting bone alignment.
Improved function: Patients often regain range of motion and strength after healing.
Better shoe fit: No more painful pressure points or cramped toes in footwear.
Enhanced mobility: Many patients return to daily activities and even low-impact sports.
Recovery from osteotomy surgery varies depending on the location and extent of the procedure. However, here is a general timeline:
First 1–2 weeks: Elevation and limited weight-bearing with a surgical boot or cast.
2–6 weeks: Gradual return to walking with physical therapy as needed.
6–12 weeks: Bone healing continues, and more normal footwear may be introduced.
3–6 months: Most patients regain full activity and mobility.
It’s important to follow post-op instructions carefully, including attending follow-up visits and possibly using orthotics for support after healing.
Is Osteotomy the Same as a Bunionectomy?
While both terms refer to foot surgeries, they aren’t exactly the same. A bunionectomy refers broadly to the removal of a bunion, which may or may not include bone realignment. Osteotomy, on the other hand, specifically involves cutting and repositioning bone, often as part of a bunionectomy. In short, many bunionectomies involve an osteotomy as a critical part of the correction process.
Why Choose DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center?
At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, we pride ourselves on offering patient-focused, advanced care in a welcoming environment. Our lead podiatrist, Dr. Shobowale, brings years of experience and surgical expertise to every case.
We understand that foot surgery is a big decision, which is why we take the time to:
Fully explain your diagnosis and options
Use advanced imaging and diagnostics for precision
Customize every treatment and recovery plan
Prioritize minimally invasive techniques when appropriate
Offer long-term support for post-surgical rehabilitation
Our Houston-based clinic is equipped to handle a wide range of foot and ankle conditions with state-of-the-art surgical options, including osteotomy procedures tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Living with chronic foot pain can take a toll on your daily life, work, and overall happiness. If conservative methods haven’t worked and your symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, osteotomy surgery may be the solution you need.
Don’t wait to take that first step toward pain relief and better mobility.
