Bunion Surgery
What Are Bunions?
Bunions (hallux valgus) are bony protrusions of the “knuckle bone” that develop on the base of the big toe (metatarsal bone). They can cause discomfort, pain, and affect one’s mobility if left untreated.
As this condition can worsen over time, it is key that patients see an orthopaedic specialist for targeted and early treatment. At SW Yung Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore, we offer comprehensive treatment options for bunions, including bunion surgery.
What Causes Bunions?
While the exact cause of bunions is unclear, the following factors are known to increase the risk of developing or worsening one:
- Having an abnormal foot structure
- People who have rheumatic arthritis
- Overpronation and flatfeet
- Wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes
The condition can lead to the misalignment of the big toe, causing it to overlap with the second toe and resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and the formation of corns or calluses. People who have bunions also have a higher chance of developing hammertoes.
Signs & Symptoms of Bunions
Common signs and symptoms of bunions include:
- A visible lump at the base of the big toe
- Pain, swelling, stiffness and redness at the bunion
- Big toe may start to misalign and cross over the second toe
- Corns and calluses between the toes might develop due to the misaligned big toe
If you are experiencing pain and deformity caused by a bunion, make an appointment with our experienced doctor, Dr Yung Shing Wai at 62355225 today.
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
A physical examination is usually all that’s needed to diagnose a patient with bunions. This includes:
- Inspecting the Foot: The doctor will visually examine your foot to look for a visible bump at the base of the big toe.
- Assessing Toe Alignment: The doctor will check how your toes align when you stand and walk.
- Assessing Range of Motion: The doctor may assess the range of motion of your big toe and the joint affected by the bunion.
- Palpation: The doctor will gently touch the bunion and its surrounding area to assess for tenderness, inflammation, or warmth.
- Imaging Tests: In some cases, X-rays may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the bunion.
What Happens if Bunions are Left Untreated?
- It may cause increased pain: Without intervention, bunions can cause worsening pain and discomfort, especially when walking or running.
- It can lead to further bone deformity: The bony protrusion at the base of the big toe may continue to grow larger, causing the toe to shift further out of alignment.
- It can reduce a person’s mobility: Severe bunions can restrict movement and flexibility in the affected toe joint. This limitation can affect one’s overall mobility.
- It can lead to secondary issues: Bunions can contribute to the development of other foot conditions, such as hammertoes or bursitis.
- It can cause joint strain: The misalignment caused by bunions can place added stress on surrounding joints, including the knees, hips, and lower back.
- It may lead to skin problems: Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or the bunion itself can cause the skin over the bunion to become irritated, leading to the formation of calluses or corns.
How are Bunions Treated?
Once your doctor has evaluated your foot deformity, a treatment plan can be developed. Treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the condition, and can range from non-surgical to surgical.
Non-Surgical Options
Although non-surgical treatment does not address the underlying cause, it can help to slow the progression of bunions, as well as alleviate pain.
- Orthotics: These are specialised devices inserted into shoes to provide support and control abnormal foot movements.
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medication: These help to temporarily reduce pain and inflammation in the affected areas.
- Changing Footwear: Wearing shoes or sandals that fit properly with a wide or open-toe box that does not compress the toes can manage the pain.
Bunion Surgery
Surgical treatment for bunions, known as bunionectomy, may be recommended when non-surgical methods fail to alleviate symptoms or when the bunion is already causing severe pain, deformity, or difficulty in walking. This includes:
- Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and realigning the bone at the base of the big toe joint. The surgeon may remove a portion of the bunion or realign the bones to correct the deformity.
- Exostectomy: This procedure involves removing the bony bump from the joint of the big toe. It may be combined with soft tissue correction to alleviate pressure and improve toe alignment.
- Soft Tissue Repair: This is done when the orthopaedic surgeon sees that there is a need to repair or tighten the soft tissues around the big toe joint. Usually, soft tissue correction is just one part of the entire bunion correction procedure.
- Arthrodesis: In cases of severe arthritis or joint damage associated with bunions, the surgeon may recommend arthrodesis (joint fusion). This involves removing damaged joint surfaces and then fusing the bones together to create a stable joint.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After a bunion surgery, patients typically wear a surgical shoe or boot and may use crutches temporarily to keep weight off the foot. Physiotherapy will be recommended to regain full strength and range of motion in the toe joint. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the type of surgery and individual healing.
Dr Yung Shing Wai is an experienced bunion surgeon in Singapore who provides effective and personalised treatments for each patient.
Schedule a consultation with us at 62355225 today.
FAQs on Bunions
