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.
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:
To ensure such complications do not occur, visit an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore to treat your bunion.
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:
Specific noticeable symptoms can indicate that a patient has a bunion. Signs include:
Patients are urged to consult an orthopaedic specialist for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent more serious complications.
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.
When patients opt for early intervention, they can benefit from non-invasive treatments for bunion pain relief. These may include:
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.
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:
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:
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.
For those seeking bunion prevention measures to maintain optimal foot health, consider the following tips:
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.
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.
No, bunions can’t go away on their own. Without proper treatment, the condition will typically worsen over time.
Not treating a bunion can lead to long-term complications, which may significantly affect your daily movement and cause persistent foot pain.
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.
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.
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.
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
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
受过研究员培训的骨科顾问外科医生兼医务主任
阿尔卑斯矫形外科中心(Alps Orthopaedic Centre)擅长 "术后强化恢复"(ERAS)。作为一种日间手术,ERAS 直接前路全髋关节置换术(THR)和ERAS 全膝关节置换术(TKR)减少了平均住院时间,采用的技术使病人痛苦更少,恢复更快。我们是新加坡一家专门从事 ERAS 的骨科诊所,竭尽全力让患者尽早恢复日常活动。
我们的骨科诊所提供肌肉骨骼问题的专业诊断和有效治疗,尤其是髋关节和膝关节手术、运动损伤和外伤骨折的日间手术/术后加强康复(ERAS)。如果您正在考虑进行髋关节或膝关节手术或微创治疗,请与我们经验丰富的骨科顾问外科医生 Jerry Chen 预约,我们将为您提供全面的评估和治疗方案。
我们的目标是 提高患者的幸福感,优化手术过程的方方面面。通过缩短恢复期 患者能够重新开始他们喜爱的活动。 阿尔卑斯团队提供全面的财务咨询,确保患者了解自己的选择,并就治疗计划做出明智的决定。
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
受过研究员培训的骨科顾问外科医生兼医务主任
阿尔卑斯矫形外科中心(Alps Orthopaedic Centre)擅长 "术后强化恢复"(ERAS)。作为一种日间手术,ERAS 直接前路全髋关节置换术(THR)和ERAS 全膝关节置换术(TKR)减少了平均住院时间,采用的技术使病人痛苦更少,恢复更快。我们是新加坡一家专门从事 ERAS 的骨科诊所,竭尽全力让患者尽早恢复日常活动。
我们的骨科诊所提供肌肉骨骼问题的专业诊断和有效治疗,尤其是髋关节和膝关节手术、运动损伤和外伤骨折的日间手术/术后加强康复(ERAS)。如果您正在考虑进行髋关节或膝关节手术或微创治疗,请与我们经验丰富的骨科顾问外科医生 Jerry Chen 预约,我们将为您提供全面的评估和治疗方案。
我们的目标是 提高患者的幸福感,优化手术过程的方方面面。通过缩短恢复期 患者能够重新开始他们喜爱的活动。 阿尔卑斯团队提供全面的财务咨询,确保患者了解自己的选择,并就治疗计划做出明智的决定。
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
阿尔卑斯矫形外科中心(Alps Orthopaedic Centre)擅长 "术后强化恢复"(ERAS)。作为一种日间手术,ERAS 直接前路全髋关节置换术(THR)和ERAS 全膝关节置换术(TKR)减少了平均住院时间,采用的技术使病人痛苦更少,恢复更快。我们是新加坡一家专门从事 ERAS 的骨科诊所,竭尽全力让患者尽早恢复日常活动。
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 Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
我们的目标是 提高患者的幸福感,优化手术过程的方方面面。通过缩短恢复期 患者能够重新开始他们喜爱的活动。 阿尔卑斯团队提供全面的财务咨询,确保患者了解自己的选择,并就治疗计划做出明智的决定。