From Severe Bunion Pain to Comfortable Walking: Meltem Aksin's Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey

Publish date: Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Kezer on Sep 14, 2026 Author: Aamina Bibi

Reviews

No reviews yet

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Istanbul Turkey

Patient Profile

 

◉ Name: Meltem Aksin

◉ Age: Not provided

◉ Location: Ankara, Turkey

◉ Condition: Severe bunion pain / Hallux Valgus affecting daily activities, walking, driving, and footwear

◉ Treatment: Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Surgery) on both feet

◉ Destination: Istanbul, Turkey

◉ Provider: Turan Turan Health Group

Journey at a Glance

 

◉ Main Symptoms: Severe bunion pain across both feet.

◉ Previous Management: Footwear changes, switching from heels to flat sneakers.

◉ Daily Impact: Inability to walk comfortably, pain while driving, and severe discomfort even at rest.

◉ Treatment Choice: Bilateral Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Istanbul Turkey.

◉ Long-Term Result: Complete recovery, back to active gym workouts and pain-free living.

The Hidden Toll of Severe Bunion Pain

For years, Meltem Aksin tried to convince herself that the growing discomfort in her feet was manageable.

As a busy professional communications specialist living in Ankara, Turkey, her days were packed.

She was constantly on her feet, organizing events, networking in active environments, and representing her organization.

Like many women, Meltem initially assumed the sharp throbbing at the base of her big toes was simply the price of professional attire.

People often dismiss foot deformities as cosmetic inconveniences.

They assume bunions are nothing more than a temporary irritation caused by narrow high heels or impractical footwear.

Meltem quickly realized that this widespread assumption was completely wrong.

"People think it is just a simple problem caused by wearing high heels. They think it happens to every woman or something like that. But it is not like that. Years passed... Fine, let's not wear high heels. But it hurts even with sneakers, and it hurts when I wear slippers."


As month after month went by, the condition worsened dramatically.

Giving up high-heeled shoes did not bring relief.

Switching to loose-fitting sneakers failed to stop the pain.

Eventually, even soft household slippers caused agonizing discomfort against the swollen, inflamed joints of her feet.

The pain was no longer confined to moments of heavy physical activity.

It began creeping into her moments of rest.

She felt constant throbbing while driving her car.

She experienced sharp pains while sitting on the couch in her own living room.

Living with severe Hallux Valgus had transformed basic daily living into an ongoing endurance test.

When Daily Life Becomes an Ongoing Struggle

When chronic foot pain persists, it rarely stays localized in the foot.

Meltem began noticing that her inability to step properly was altering her whole posture.

She was limping subtly to compensate for the pressure on her big toes.

This unnatural gait triggered painful muscle cramps, radiating leg aches, and persistent redness around her joints.

Signs That You May Require Severe Bunion Pain Treatment in Istanbul Turkey:

  • Persistent pain at the base of the big toe that fails to respond to footwear changes.

  • Inability to walk short distances without burning, throbbing discomfort.

  • Pain during low-impact activities like driving or resting at home.

  • Visible joint displacement, redness, and swelling along the inner border of the foot.

  • Compensatory body pain, including calf cramps and altered gait mechanics.

The turn came when Meltem realized her world was shrinking.

She had to carry extra pairs of comfortable shoes everywhere she went.

She found herself turning down social invitations simply because walking felt daunting.

Watching colleagues walk effortlessly at professional events filled her with frustration.

She knew that continuing to endure this suffering was no longer an option.

She decided it was time to seek specialized Severe Bunion Pain Treatment in Istanbul Turkey.

Searching for the Ultimate Solution: Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Surgery

Once Meltem committed to seeking surgery, she was determined to find the most advanced medical approach available.

She did not want a traditional open surgical procedure that would leave her bedridden for months.

Standard open bunion surgery often involves large incisions, significant tissue disruption, and extensive scar tissue formation.

For an active professional, standard recovery timelines felt overwhelming.

"If I was going to endure this much pain, at least while waiting to recover, I did not want to suffer unnecessarily. I wanted to get the fastest and most lasting solution as soon as possible."


Her extensive research led her to discover percutaneous, keyhole foot surgery.

Unlike traditional methods, Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Istanbul Turkey uses tiny micro-incisions measuring only a few millimeters.

Surgeons work under precise fluoroscopic guidance to realign the bones without cutting open surrounding soft tissues, muscles, or nerves.

This preserve structural integrity, drastically cuts post-operative inflammation, and yields superior cosmetic outcomes.

Meltem realized that this gentle approach was exactly what she needed for her recovery.

It allowed her to address both of her feet in a single surgical session without compounding her physical trauma.

Why All Roads Led to Turan Turan Health Group in Istanbul

Driven to find expert care, Meltem evaluated clinics across major Turkish cities, including Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya.

She dove deep into medical literature, watched surgical video walk-throughs, and read patient reviews online.

Despite checking options in her home city, every piece of research pointed back to one specialized destination: Turan Turan Health Group.

Turan Turan Health Group stood out for its dedicated orthopedic focus, high-tech surgical suites, and vast experience in percutaneous foot techniques.

Many clinics lacked the specialized technical equipment or specialized surgical training required for true keyhole bunion correction.

Meltem needed absolute confidence in her surgical team before taking the leap.

She reached out directly to the clinic to inquire about scheduling a consultation.

From her very first phone call, the care team provided outstanding support.

Medical coordinator Ms. Kübra walked her through every detail, patiently answering dozens of technical questions.

Meltem submitted her medical records and weight-bearing foot X-rays electronically for review.

Within days, the medical team reviewed her case and confirmed that she was an ideal candidate for keyhole correction.

Without hesitation, Meltem and her family drove from Ankara to Istanbul to begin her treatment journey.

Consultation with Dr. Murat Kezer: Honesty, Realism, and Safety

Arriving at Turan Turan Health Group in Istanbul, Meltem met with leading orthopedic surgeon Dr. Murat Kezer.

What struck her immediately was Dr. Kezer’s transparent, realistic communication style.

Rather than making unrealistic promises, Dr. Kezer took time to explain the entire procedure in detail.

He reviewed potential complications calmly, outlining even rare risk factors so Meltem felt thoroughly prepared.

"Dr. Murat is a very realistic doctor. He explained even the possible complications and told us that we needed to be prepared for all of them... He prepared us calmly for all the possible risks of the operation."


This honest consultation gave Meltem total peace of mind.

She felt completely safe in the hands of an experienced orthopedic specialist who prioritized patient safety above all else.

Together, they agreed to perform simultaneous bilateral percutaneous bunion surgery.

Fixing both feet at the same time meant Meltem would only need one single recovery period.

She went into surgery feeling empowered, excited, and ready to reclaim her mobility.

The Surgical Experience & Immediate Post-Op Recovery

The operation was carried out smoothly using state-of-the-art percutaneous surgical tools.

Through micro-incisions, Dr. Kezer precisely realigned the misaligned bones of both feet and secured them in correct alignment.

The procedure avoided large cuts, minimizing trauma to surrounding soft tissues.

When Meltem woke up in her recovery room, she was amazed by how comfortable she felt.

The nursing team administered targeted intravenous pain relief and applied specialized ice packs to minimize localized swelling.

"I think at this time yesterday, we were preparing for surgery. I feel very good... Thankfully, I do not feel any pain right now... So, my pain level is zero out of ten. Yes, I was able to walk. I was able to walk very comfortably."


To her absolute delight, Meltem was able to stand up and walk standard steps the very same day using specialized post-operative shoes.

Even after having surgery performed on both feet simultaneously, she retained full independence.

She could use the restroom, stand, and move around her hospital room without needing continuous physical support.

Post-operative X-rays confirmed perfect anatomical realignment of her big toe joints.

Instead of being confined to a hospital bed, Meltem was already looking forward to upcoming life events—including her graduation ceremony and an upcoming music concert!

Day 17 Post-Op: Smooth Healing and Total Relief

Seventeen days after her procedure, Meltem returned for her routine follow-up evaluation in Istanbul.

Her recovery had progressed smoothly without a single setback.

Because no large incisions were made, she experienced no open wound complications or severe tissue inflammation.

The minor discomfort she noticed came only from superficial suture points, which were healing quickly.

She was already taking light daily walks without any sharp joint pain.

"Today is exactly our 17th day. I had a very nice conversation with my doctor. I feel very relieved... Because I left the surgery feeling as if I had not even had surgery. Thank you so much to my doctor."


Meltem felt an overwhelming sense of relief that she had chosen to undergo Bunion Surgery in Istanbul Turkey.

The persistent pain that had dictated her daily life for years was finally gone.

She was walking easily, wearing normal protective shoes, and regaining her active routine faster than she had ever imagined possible.

Back to the Gym: Long-Term Results and Reclaimed Freedom

Months after returning home to Ankara, Meltem recorded a updates video to share her long-term outcomes with prospective patients worldwide.

She had fully resumed her active lifestyle.

Her biggest milestone was returning to the gym for regular fitness workouts.

"Hello everyone. It has been a long time since I returned to my normal life... Now I am going to the gym. This is wonderful for me because even sneakers were very difficult for me before this surgery, and I could not keep them on for more than an hour... Now I happily come to the gym for my workouts."


Before her surgery, even wearing soft running shoes for more than an hour caused intolerable pain.

Now, she exercises freely, walks long distances, works comfortably, and wears stylish shoes without distress.

Her journey proves that severe hallux valgus deformities can be successfully corrected through advanced medical techniques.

Key Advantages of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery at Turan Turan:

  • Tiny keyhole micro-incisions resulting in minimal scarring.

  • Preservation of soft tissue structures and surrounding joint cartilage.

  • Significantly reduced post-operative pain levels compared to traditional procedures.

  • Same-day weight-bearing mobility in specialized orthopedic footwear.

  • Ability to safely treat both feet simultaneously during one hospital stay.

  • Rapid return to sports, gym activities, and active daily life.

Meltem’s advice to anyone suffering from severe foot pain is straightforward: do not put off treatment out of fear.

Modern percutaneous surgery offers a safe, predictable path back to painless walking.

Why Istanbul, Turkey is the Premier Destination for Bunion Surgery

Istanbul has emerged as a premier international destination for advanced orthopedic procedures, attracting patients from across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Hospitals like Turan Turan Health Group combine world-class medical expertise with modern technology, providing keyhole bunion correction that may not be readily available in other regions.

Medical travelers choose Turkey not only for exceptional clinical outcomes but also for the comprehensive care offered by dedicated international patient departments.

Patients receive step-by-step assistance, including pre-arrival teleconsultations, language translation, seamless hospital transfers, and post-operative follow-up support.

By selecting Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Istanbul Turkey, patients access world-class orthopedic care at highly competitive rates, allowing them to recover comfortably in one of the world's most beautiful cultural hubs.

Ready to Step Comfortably into a Pain-Free Life?

Don't let severe bunion pain dictate your daily activities any longer. Discover how advanced percutaneous Hallux Valgus surgery in Istanbul, Turkey can restore your mobility with minimal recovery downtime.

Get Your Free Medical Consultation Today

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article, including patient testimonials and surgical details, is for educational and informational purposes only. Individual treatment results may vary depending on underlying health conditions, anatomical variations, and post-operative care compliance. Always consult with a qualified orthopedic specialist to evaluate your specific medical condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

  • Location: Sirinevler Mah. Ankara Yolu Cad. No:795 A/1 Yildirim/Bursa/Turkey, Istanbul,Bursa, Turkey
  • Focus Area: Overcoming Severe Bunion Pain: Bunion Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
  • Overview: Explore orthopedic surgery in Turkey at Turan Turan Health Group in Bursa, with robotic joint, spine and sports injury care. Request a personalized quote.
  • Slide 01
  • Slide 02
  • Slide 03

Trusted Medical Tourism Platform Since 2007

60+
Countries
2k+
Clinics
19.5k+
Reviews
2.5k+
Qualified Doctors
1.1M+
Patients Served Since 2007