If you have bunions that are no longer manageable with non-invasive measures like splints and stretches, then your podiatrist is probably recommending that you have bunion surgery. This procedure can be very effective, but patients tend to have a lot of concerns and misconceptions involving how it is actually performed. Some people, for instance, envision their surgeon just cutting their bunion off — and this is not quite how it works. Here's a look at what really happens when you go in for bunion removal surgery.

1. They'll numb your leg and foot.

If you're envisioning being put under general anesthetic for your bunion surgery, then know that this probably won't happen. Some people put off bunion surgery for years because they're afraid of being put under, only to finally learn they don't need to be. Instead, your surgeon will use what's known as a regional anesthetic to numb your leg and foot. This is much safer than general anesthesia, and you won't have to worry about fasting beforehand or feeling sick as the anesthetic wears off.

2. They'll cut and realign your big toe joint.

Once you are fully numb, your doctor will make an incision to open up your toe. Then, they will cut the joint between your big toe and the ball of your foot. They may need to shave down some bone before realigning the joint, and they will almost always need to shorten the tendons and ligaments on one side of the toe to keep the joint in its new position. A screw may be used to hold the joint in place, too.

3. They'll remove your excess bone tissue.

Once the joint is realigned, your surgeon will remove any excess bony tissue from the outside of your big toe. This is the part that will make the biggest difference in the appearance of your foot and will help you fit into shoes better.

4. They'll splinter and wrap your foot.

After the big toe joint is shaved down appropriately, your surgeon will close the incision and apply a special splint to hold the toe in place. Then, your foot will be wrapped up. You'll go home in these same bandages will generally return to have them replaced at a checkup a few days later.

Now you have a clearer picture of what will happen when you have bunion surgery. It's usually a pretty straightforward procedure with good results.