Bunion

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Bunion

Notice the bump on the side of your big toe? This is commonly known as a bunion, a condition where the bones at the front of the foot shift out of alignment. Beyond its odd appearance, which may affect self-esteem, bunions can lead to foot pain, difficulty finding suitable footwear, and even limping.

The good news is that effective bunion treatments are available in Singapore. If you want a solution to your foot problems, consider visiting an orthopaedic clinic like ALPS Orthopaedic Centre. Our experienced team provides comprehensive care, offering a range of options from conservative measures, such as wearing wider shoes, to bunion surgery tailored to your needs.

What is a Bunion?

Medically known as hallux valgus, this condition is a big toe joint deformity. It is characterised by a bony bump forming on the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal “MTP” joint), causing the toe to angle outward towards the smaller toes and protrude outward.

Initially, patients may experience mild discomfort due to redness or sores, with little to no pain. However, the condition tends to worsen over time. When left untreated, a bunion causes more severe foot problems, including:

Severe and worsening pain that interferes with daily activities
Difficulty standing or walking
Crossover toe – A condition where the second toe crosses over the big toe.
Metatarsalgia – Pain and inflammation in the heads of second to fifth metatarsal bones
Hammertoes – Abnormal bending of smaller toes
Osteoarthritis – Wear and tear of the joint at the base of the big toe
Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the joint

To ensure such complications do not occur, visit an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore to treat your bunion.

Common Causes of Bunions

Bunions can develop for various reasons, but they are commonly caused by improper pressure or rubbing on the foot. Several bunion risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, including:

Hereditary factors can contribute to an inherited problem with the structure or foot anatomy.
Improper footwear choices include wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that exert excessive pressure on the toes, often crowding them.
Other abnormalities in foot anatomy, such as flat feet.
Tight calf (gastrocnemius) muscles
Arthritis (an inflammatory condition), particularly in older adults.
Repetitive stress on the foot is often seen in certain sports.

Symptoms of Bunions

Specific noticeable symptoms can indicate that a patient has a bunion. Signs include:

A bulging bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe indicates a toe deformity.
Big toe pain, including swelling at the joint, redness, or soreness
Calluses, often developing where the first and second toes rub against each other
Persistent or intermittent pain, especially after walking or standing
Limited movement of the big toe
Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

Patients are urged to consult an orthopaedic specialist for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent more serious complications.

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

The first step to diagnosing a bunion is to schedule an orthopaedic consultation. During the appointment, the specialist will perform a physical foot examination followed by an imaging test, such as weightbearing X-rays.

X-ray imaging provides your specialist with a clearer view of the severity of the bunion, its impact on the foot structure, and the most suitable treatment options. With early assessment, your orthopaedic specialist can recommend effective treatment to prevent the deformity from causing further damage.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Bunions

When patients opt for early intervention, they can benefit from non-invasive treatments for bunion pain relief. These may include:

Wearing wider, more comfortable shoes
Using orthotic insoles, such as foot pads or heel inserts, to support the foot and distribute pressure
Padding and taping the foot to reduce pressure on the bunion
Applying ice to minimise swelling
Taking anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain
Engaging in physical therapy and stretching exercises to improve foot flexibility

All the above measures aim to help patients manage their pain and prevent a bunion from worsening. However, it is important to note that these conservative measures cannot correct the deformity already developed.

Surgical Treatment Options: When is Surgery Necessary?

If conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, surgery may be required. This is especially true for patients who experience persistent foot pain, disruptions in their daily activities, or significant toe deformity.

As for the type of bunion surgery required, it will depend on the severity of the diagnosed condition and the level of pain. Generally, there are three main types of bunion surgery:

Bunionectomy
This minimally invasive procedure removes the bony bump on the side of the big toe joint and realigns the bones. If necessary, the surgeon may also release or tighten soft tissues around the joint at the base of the big toe to correct the deformity.
Osteotomy
This procedure involves cutting and repositioning the bones of the big toe to achieve foot realignment. Surgeons will insert screws into the bone to realign the big toe joint. This is one of the most common types of bunion surgery. Increasingly, surgeons are opting for minimally invasive osteotomy, which involves smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and less scarring.
Arthrodesis
Reserved for severe cases, this procedure fuses the bones of the big toe joint after removing damaged surfaces, typically caused by arthritis. It stabilises the toe, relieves pain, and prevents further deformity, though it results in the loss of joint movement. In other words, this bunion correction surgery is typically only considered when all other options have been exhausted.

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, our surgeon will prioritise the best course of action based on the patient’s diagnosis, whether it involves minimally invasive bunion surgery or other techniques. When minimally invasive surgery is suitable, patients can benefit from:

Less pain
Faster recovery
Smaller incisions (just a few millimetres) and minimal scarring
Minimal disruption of the surrounding tissues

If you are considering bunion surgery, it is important to note that patients must closely follow their specialist’s recovery instructions. Your post-operative care may include rest, frequent elevation and icing of the feet to help with swelling.

After the initial recovery period, physical therapy will be necessary to help restore your foot’s strength and range of motion.

Preventing Bunions: Practical Tips

For those seeking bunion prevention measures to maintain optimal foot health, consider the following tips:

Choose proper footwear, such as well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support.
Avoid wearing high heels or tight shoes for extended periods.
Maintain a healthy weight to minimise pressure on your feet.
Practise foot stretches (like toe curls) and exercises (even mild resistance exercises) to strengthen the foot muscles, improve flexibility and slow the formation of possible bunions.

Why Choose Our Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore for Bunion Treatment?

A bunion will not resolve on its own, making early diagnosis and treatment essential to manage pain and prevent worsening. Seeking care from a bunion specialist in Singapore ensures timely intervention tailored to your needs.

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we provide comprehensive care for musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from non-surgical to surgical methods. We focus on minimally invasive techniques to enhance recovery and help patients return to their daily activities as quickly as possible.

Dr Jerry Chen is the medical director of the Alps Orthopaedic Centre and a clinical associate professor at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. With 15 years of experience and 500 surgeries performed annually, Dr Chen is a leading expert in patient-centred care, ensuring swift and effective recovery.

Visit Alps Orthopaedic Centre

If you are experiencing bunion symptoms and seeking ways to manage them, consult an orthopaedic specialist for medical advice. At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we provide prompt evaluation and specialised treatment tailored to your needs, focusing on effective recovery. Schedule an appointment today with Dr Jerry Chen, our medical director and senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon, for a thorough diagnosis and personalised care.

FAQs About Bunions

Can bunions go away on their own?

No, bunions can’t go away on their own. Without proper treatment, the condition will typically worsen over time.

What are the risks of not treating a bunion?

Not treating a bunion can lead to long-term complications, which may significantly affect your daily movement and cause persistent foot pain.

How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?

Bunion recovery generally takes 2 to 6 weeks following minimally invasive surgery. However, for a more significant open surgery, the bones may take several weeks to heal, with normal foot function gradually restored.

Can children develop bunions?

Yes, it is possible for children, especially teenagers, to develop bunions. An orthopaedic consultation is recommended for early evaluation and treatment options if a bunion is noticed.

What are the risks of bunion surgery?

Like any surgery, bunion surgery involves small risks, including infection or delay with bone healing. Before proceeding, it’s essential to consult with an orthopaedic specialist to fully understand these risks.

References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Bunions: Diagnosis & treatment. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354805
Bunion Institute. (n.d.). When bunions go untreated. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.bunioninstitute.com/blog/when-bunions-go-untreated/
Bunion Institute. (n.d.). Stop bunions from forming. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.bunioninstitute.com/blog/stop-bunions-from-forming/
Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey. (n.d.). Bunion correction surgery. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://orthopedicnj.com/news/bunion-correction-surgery

Dominion Foot & Ankle. (n.d.). MIS bunion (minimally-invasive surgery). Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.myprivia.com/dominionfootandankle/services/mis-bunion-minimally-invasive-surgery#:~:text=MIS%20Bunion%2C%20Minimally%2DInvasive%20Surgery,less%20damage%20to%20your%20foot.&text=Advantages%20of%20the%20minimal%20incision,all%20the%20benefits%20listed%20above

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Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Before starting Alps Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Jerry Chen was a Consultant at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he accumulated over 13 years of experience in Orthopaedic Surgery.
Dr Chen spearheaded the workgroup for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for hip and knee replacement surgeries at SGH, where he successfully employed ERAS, benefiting more than 2,000 patients thus far.
Having performed over 500 surgeries in a year, he has been instrumental in helping numerous patients recover from injuries and diseases and return to their active lifestyles.
His clinical interests include Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for Hip and Knee, Sports Injuries, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Robotic Surgery.

Why Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.

Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.

Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.

Has this article been insightful? Share it!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Before starting Alps Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Jerry Chen was a Consultant at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he accumulated over 13 years of experience in Orthopaedic Surgery.
Dr Chen spearheaded the workgroup for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for hip and knee replacement surgeries at SGH, where he successfully employed ERAS, benefiting more than 2,000 patients thus far.
Having performed over 500 surgeries in a year, he has been instrumental in helping numerous patients recover from injuries and diseases and return to their active lifestyles.
His clinical interests include Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for Hip and Knee, Sports Injuries, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Robotic Surgery.

Why Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

Has this article been insightful? Share it!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Before starting Alps Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Jerry Chen was a Consultant at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he accumulated over 13 years of experience in Orthopaedic Surgery.
Having performed over 500 surgeries in a year, he has been instrumental in helping numerous patients recover from injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
As a driven and valued member, Dr Chen spearheaded the workgroup for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for hip and knee replacement surgeries at SGH.
Over the course of his career at SGH, Dr Chen has successfully employed ERAS and reduced the average hospitalisation stay for hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Going through these ERAS day surgeries has benefited more than 2,000 patients thus far, enabling them to suffer from less pain and recover faster.
The Alps team is committed to providing specialised orthopaedic care tailored to your unique condition. We offer comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.