What are bunions?
Bunions, also medically referred to as hallux abducto valgus or hallux valgus, is a deformity of the big toe. It typically appears as a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. These bumps are a result of the displacement of some bones in the front part of the foot. This results in the tip of the big toe getting pulled towards the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out.
Unfortunately, bunions do not go away on their own. In fact, they worsen with age. While a mild bunion may not be painful, it can lead to big toe joint pain and difficulty with shoe fit if left untreated.
How do I know if I have a bunion?
If you are unable to tell whether you have bunions, here are some telltale signs:
- Bulging bump on the outside base of the big toe
- Swelling, redness or soreness around the big toe joint
- Corns or calluses where the first and second toe rub against each other
- Sporadic pain around big toe joint
- Limited movement of the big toe
How do bunions come about?
Anyone can get bunions – regardless of age, culture or fitness level. However, bunions are commonly found amongst women and older individuals. People who experience bunions can be broadly categorised into two groups: those with pre-existing medical conditions and those with hereditary poor foot function.
For those with pre-existing medical conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or neuromuscular disease, they may be more prone to getting bunions.
Those with collapsed arches or flat feet fall into the hereditary poor foot function category. This group of people are often healthy and active, but are at a higher risk of suffering from bunions. Wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes together may worsen the problem.
Are there any long-term complications of bunions?
Bunions, if left untreated, may potentially lead to long term complications. Somo of the possible complications arising from bunions include:
Bursitis
This is a painful condition which affects the small, fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near the joints. With prolonged, frequent and repetitive motion, these pads may become inflamed, resulting in pain.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is when there is an abnormal bend that occurs in the middle joint of the toe. This causes it to be bent, similar to that of a hammer. This usually occurs in the toe next to the big toe. In the early stages, a flexible hammertoe is movable at the joints. However, a rigid hammertoe joint is when the joins cannot be moved. It is usually painful the majority of the time, and requires surgery to be corrected.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia, which literally means metatarsal pain, is a painful foot condition that affects the joints and bones of the metatarsals. This condition is usually localised to the first metatarsal head, which is the ball of the foot just behind the big toe.
What can I do about my bunions?
If bunions are noticed and corrected early, this deformity can be slowed or stopped. Bunions can be treated with or without surgery. If there are no major symptoms, only preventive care may be necessary. In this case, the foot podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon will conduct an x-ray of the foot to determine the progression of the bunion.
Some non-surgical treatments may include the following:
Wear supportive shoes
Preventative bunion care may include wearing shoes with a supportive insole and roomy toebox. Extended use of tight-fitting shoes such as high heels or narrow-toed shoes may worsen the problem. Hence, it is best to avoid these types of footwear.
Put padding over the bunion or use bunion shields
Addition of a padding over the bunion or usage of bunion shields can help to relieve the pain from the bunion. Bunion padding or shields are usually available at the pharmacy or from the podiatrist.
Avoid extended times on your feet
Certain activities such as ballet or prolonged times on your feet can make the condition worse. Hence, you may need to change your lifestyle to cut back on activities that require you to be on your feet or toes for a long time.
Apply an ice pack
Ice packs, when applied to the bunion, can be helpful in easing the pain and inflammation of the bunion.
While these self-care treatments are helpful in alleviating the pain, it may not necessarily correct the underlying problem. Surgery may sometimes be recommended if these non-surgical treatments are ineffective in relieving the pain or if the bunion condition gets worse.
When should surgery be considered for bunions?
For those experiencing severe bunions, or if the bunions result in extreme pain that impairs their quality of life, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity. Bunion surgery is often referred to as bunionectomy. It is a broad term that encompasses various types of bunion surgery.
There are many surgical procedures for bunions and there is no one technique that is best for every problem. In fact, most of these surgical procedures can be done as a single procedure or in combination depending on the extent of the patient’s condition. Some of these surgical procedures include:
- Removal of the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint
- Removal of part of the bone to straighten the big toe
- Realignment of one or more bones within the forefoot to a normal position in order to correct the abnormal angle of the big toe joint
- Joining the bones of the affected joint permanently
Successful bunion surgery can correct the underlying bone and joint misalignment. This can help to improve the foot function and relieve long-term pain. However, the likelihood of a successful bunion surgery is highly dependent on each individual patient’s health as well as the severity of the bunion.
By seeking treatment early, together with the correct diagnosis and treatment planning, all the methods described earlier are effective in treating bunions. There is no need to live with a painful bunion, especially since it is a progressive deformity that will get worse with time if left untreated.
Here are some clinics in Singapore where you can seek bunion surgery
Clinic |
Ardmore Orthopaedic Centre |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.orthopaedicclinicsingapore.com/ |
Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-13 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510 |
Contact | 65 6432 8253 |
Operating Hours | MONDAY TO FRIDAY : 09:00am to 1:00pm & 02:00pm to 5:00pmSATURDAY 9:00am to 1:00pmClosed on Sundays and Public Holidays |
Clinic |
The Bone & Joint Centre |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.drkevinkoo.com/ |
Address | Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Singapore 228510 |
Contact | 64328251
support@drkevinkoo.com |
Operating Hours | MONDAY TO FRIDAY : 09:00am to 5:00pmSATURDAY 9:00am to 1:00pm |
Clinic |
BJIOS Orthopaedics |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.bjios.sg/ |
Address | 1 Farrer Park Station Road #13-15/16/17, 18/19/20 Farrer Park Medical, Singapore 217562 |
Contact | +65 6908 6933 (For Appointments) +65 6535 8833 (For Emergency) |
Operating Hours | Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.Lunch Hour (Closed) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m.Saturday 8.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. |
Clinic |
Orthosports Foot & Ankle Clini |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | http://www.footandankledoctor.com.sg/ |
Address | #10-41 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Rd, Singapore 329563 |
Contact | 67348168
email@footandankledoctor.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Mon To Fri : 9 am to 5 pm
Sat : 9 am to 1 pm |
Clinic |
East Coast Podiatry |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.eastcoastpodiatry.sg/ |
Address |
|
Contact | services@ecpc.sg |
Operating Hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am to 6pm Wednesday, Sunday & Public Holidays Closed |
Clinic |
SBF Sports & Hand Centres |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.sbfsportshand.com.sg/ |
Address | 160 Robinson Rd, #05-02, Singapore 068914 |
Contact | 65 6282 2611 enquiry@sbfsportshand.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri 09:00 am – 05:00 pm Sat-Sun Closed |
Clinic |
Pinnacle Orthopaedic Group |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://p-ortho.com/ |
Address |
|
Contact | View contact details here |
Clinic |
Specialist Orthopaedic Centre |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://specialistortho.com.sg/ |
Address |
|
Contact | (65) 6272 0933 / (65) 6243 9233
contact@specialistortho.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm |
Clinic |
HC Chang Orthopaedic Surgery |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.ortho.com.sg/ |
Address |
|
Contact | View contact details here |
Operating Hours | Mon – Fri : 9 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm
Sat: 9 am to 1 pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays |
Clinic |
The Foot Practice |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.thefootpractice.com/ |
Address |
|
Contact | 65 6909 0117 |
Operating Hours | Book appointment here |
Clinic |
Singapore Sports & Orthopaedic Surgeon |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.orthopaedicsurgeon.com.sg/ |
Address | #02-12 Gleneagles Med Ctr, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499 |
Contact | 65 64712674
ps@orthopaedicsurgeon.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Contact for appointments |
Clinic |
SW Yang Orthopaedic Pte Ltd |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | http://swyung.com/bunions-eng/ |
Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth #05-07, Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre Singapore 228510 |
Contact | nurse@swyung.com +65 6235 5225 / +65 8101 2002 |
Operating Hours |
Monday – Friday :
9:00 AM to 11 AM, 2:00 PM to 4 :00 PM .
Appointment time subject to approval by the clinic nurse.
|
Clinic |
Synergy Orthopaedic Group |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | http://sog.sg/ |
Address | 38 Irrawaddy Road, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, #06-59/60/61, Singapore 329563 |
Contact |
|
Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Clinic |
Orthopaedic and Spine Clinic Pte Ltd |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.memc.com.sg/clinic/orthopaedic-and-spine-clinic-pte-ltd/ |
Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510 |
Contact | Contact via appointment form here |
Operating Hours | 9:00am to 5:00pm on Weekdays 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays |
Clinic |
Dr Ananda Vella |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.anandaortho.sg/ |
Address |
|
Contact | 6684 5828 |
Operating Hours | Contact for appointment |
Clinic |
The OrthoKlinic |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | http://www.orthoklinic.com.sg/medi_page/site_web_ckw/common_page.asp?pg=1 |
Address | Gleneagles Medical Centre, Suite 08-01, 6 Napier Road, S(258499) |
Contact | (+65) 6473 8826 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 09:00 ~ 13:00, 14:00 ~ 18:00 Sat: 09:00 ~ 12:00 |
Clinic |
Dr Ong Kee Leong Orthopaedics |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://drongkeeleong.com/foot-ankle-specialist-singapore/ |
Address |
|
Contact | (65) 6244 8022 / (65) 6690 2490 |
Operating Hours | Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Clinic |
My FootDr |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://www.myfootdr.com.sg/ |
Address | Palais Renaissance #04-04, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871 |
Contact | +65 6836 8144 / +65 9610 1411 reception@myfootdr.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: 9am to 1pm |
Clinic |
Island Orthopaedics |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://iog.com.sg/ |
Address | View clinics here |
Contact | info@iog.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Contact for appointments |
Clinic |
Osteopathy and Podiatry Centre |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for rates |
Website | https://osteopathy-podiatry.com/site/ |
Address | 583 Orchard Rd #06-03 Forum, Singapore 238884 |
Contact | 65-6734 4236
info@osteopathy-podiatry.com |
Operating Hours | Mon – Fri8.30am – 6.00pm Saturday8.30am – 1.00 pm |
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