Bunion
Treatment
We provide effective and minimally invasive procedures to treat bunions in Singapore, tailor-made to suit the individual’s condition.
Bunion
What are Bunions?
Bunions are formed due to the misalignment and deformity of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe, causing the first MTP bone to turn outward while the big toe turns inward. This leads to the joint at the base of the big toe to jut out prominently, an often unsightly and painful condition.
If left untreated and mismanaged, the bunion will worsen over time. This can lead to further pain and deformity of the other toes and foot.
Signs and Symptoms
Bunions often happen in the hallux or the big toe. While mild cases may be almost unnoticeable, bunions tend to worsen significantly if left untreated, causing pain when walking.
Here are some of the symptoms of bunions:
- Redness of the big toe’s joint
- Bulging of the big toe’s joint
- Pain in the big toe’s joint
- Calluses caused by the friction of the hallux and the second toe (also known as the ‘long toe’ or ‘index toe’)
- Limits the movement of the big toe when moved
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be best to seek help from a bunion surgeon in Singapore.
Causes of Bunions
While the underlying cause is largely due to an inherited, bunion-prone structure of the feet; it is made worse with trauma and when feet are squeezed into ill-fitting shoes. This is why bunions affect women much more.
People working in jobs that require a lot of standing and walking (e.g. teachers, nurses) are also more susceptible to bunions.
Why Do People Get Bunions?
The causes of bunions are classified into the following:
- Hereditary: There are several inherited foot structures that are more prone to bunions (e.g. low arches, loose joints, overpronation)
- Congenital foot conditions acquired since birth
- Rheumatoid Arthritis specifically on the foot
- Foot injuries such as sprain, fractures, and nerve injuries
- Shoes: A shoe’s size and shape can greatly affect bunions. For women, it has been shown that high heels and shoes with a narrow tip can cause bunions to become sore and swell, due to a large amount of pressure being exerted on the already misaligned joints in the big toe
Diagnosis of Bunions
While bunions may start off mild and almost unnoticeable, they can worsen significantly if left untreated, leading to pain and swelling in the big toe’s joint. In such cases, its cause and severity must be identified in order to prescribe the best and most appropriate type of bunion treatment.
X-ray: An X-ray examination will help to identify the cause and severity of the bunion. This procedure allows the orthopaedic surgeon to evaluate if bunion surgery in Singapore is required for the patient, or if conservative and non-invasive treatment will suffice.
Treatment Options
Treatment for bunions in Singapore differ depending on its severity, and in mild cases, there are some practical remedies that can be done at home. For instance, wearing wide shoes and flats can help prevent the worsening of bunions.
Common Types of Bunion Surgery
- Osteotomy: The big toe joint is cut and realigned to a normal position
- Exostectomy: The bunion is removed from the big toe joint
- Arthrodesis: The damaged joint will be replaced with screws or metal plates to correct the deformity
The type of surgery used will depend on the individual’s condition. Usually, mild to moderate bunions can be treated by minimally invasive surgery with less pain and downtime, while severe bunions will require traditional open surgery.
Recovery Process after a Bunion Surgery
How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?
Usually, patients are usually able to walk the same day of the bunion surgery, however, special post-operative shoes and straps must be worn in order to support the foot while it heals.
Once the bone and soft tissue heals, patients may also need to do physiotherapy to regain full mobility and walk properly again. Complete recovery can take 3-4 months.
Continue to read more information about Bunions here: www.doctorxdentist.com/ask-dr-sean-ng-how-to-treat-bunions
FAQ
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What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is located at the base of the big toe. The only way to definitively remove a bunion is with the help of a bunion surgeon who will customise a surgical treatment plan for you, if it is deemed necessary.
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How Much Does Bunion Surgery Cost in Singapore?
The cost of bunion surgery in Singapore depends on factors like the type of procedure performed, if one or both feet are affected, the severity of the condition, amount of insurance coverage and the choice of doctor or hospital. To find out how much your case would cost, contact the clinic for more information.
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Can Bunions Be Corrected Permanently?
There are many non-surgical bunion treatments in Singapore that help to manage symptoms such as pain and discomfort, and slow the bunion’s progression. However, bunions can only be permanently corrected through surgery.
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What Are Some Common Treatments for Bunions?
- Footwear change - Opt for footwear that are comfortable and roomy, providing sufficient space for the toes.
- Padding - Over-the-counter bunion pads serve as a buffer between the foot and the shoe, thus avoiding friction and easing pain.
- Medications - Pain relievers may be prescribed to mitigate pain.
- Shoe inserts - By distributing pressure evenly on the foot, padded inserts help to alleviate discomfort.
- Ice - Applying ice to the inflamed part of the foot can temporarily relieve soreness and swelling.
- Surgery - If conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, and is affecting your day-to-day life, bunion surgery may be recommended. This may involve either removing the swollen tissue in the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing a part of the toe bone, realigning the toes back to their normal position using screws and plates, or permanently joining the affected joint to the bone. Bunion surgery cost will largely depend on the type of procedure done.
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At What Age Do Bunions Usually Develop?
While people can develop bunions at any age, it has been observed that most patients develop them in their teens to early adulthood. Bunions do not go away on their own, and will worsen with age if not treated.
Ardmore Orthopaedic Clinic provides personalised and effective bunion surgery in Singapore. Call 9830 8206 for more information or an in-depth assessment.
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