6 Common Myths and Facts About Bunions

Bunions can be a source of discomfort or excruciating pain. Without the appropriate medical intervention, the condition could progressively worsen over time. Similarly, any misconstrued understanding can prolong or exacerbate bunion pain since the root cause may not be addressed. Which is why a firm understanding of your bunion condition, along with the guidance of a specialist, is key to addressing your bunion pain effectively.

Fact: While the most visible sign of a bunion is a bump on the side of the foot, it is actually a complex structural deformity. This misalignment can affect the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint, leading to inflammation, swelling of the fluid-filled sac near the joint (bursa), and reduced flexibility. A bunion is not an extra growth of bone that can simply be shaved off without addressing the underlying angle of the toe.

Fact: While wearing ill-fitting footwear can aggravate a bunion and make symptoms worse, it is rarely the only cause. Bunions are primarily caused by an inherited foot structure (e.g., flat feet or low arches), which can make the foot mechanically unstable and more prone to developing a bunion.

Fact: Because women's footwear often features narrow toe boxes and high heels, bunions are more frequently diagnosed in women. However, men can also develop bunions due to hereditary factors, arthritis or wearing unsupportive footwear.

Fact: Bunions are a progressive condition, meaning they will not resolve without intervention. Over time, the angle of the deformity may increase, leading to the big toe overlapping or underlapping the second toe. This can cause secondary issues such as hammertoes, corns, calluses and even arthritis in the joint.

Fact: Surgery is not always the first line of defence. For many patients, especially those with mild to moderate bunions that are not causing severe pain, non-surgical methods are effective in relieving symptoms and slowing down the progression. These include wearing wider shoes, custom orthotics, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication. A doctor will typically consider bunion removal surgery only when these conservative measures fail to provide relief or when the deformity significantly impacts daily life.

Fact: Medical advancements have significantly improved the patient experience for bunion surgery. Modern surgical techniques often involve minimally invasive procedures that result in less tissue damage, reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries. Furthermore, modern pain management protocols are much more effective, ensuring patients are comfortable during the healing process.

You do not need to wait until your foot is severely deformed to see a doctor. It is advisable to seek a professional evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent pain at the base of the big toe
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably
• Visible changes in toe alignment
• Swelling, redness or inflammation around the joint

Seeing a doctor or bunion surgeon early can help you manage pain, maintain your mobility and potentially prevent the deformity from worsening to the point where surgery becomes the only option.

At Axis Bunion Clinic, we understand the distress that bunion patients experience and we are committed to helping them overcome their challenges. Patients are meticulously assessed by Dr Seng Chusheng who has achieved excellent results in foot deformity correction across more than a thousand surgeries, including bunion surgeries. If you are experiencing foot pain or suspect that you may have a bunion, schedule an appointment for an individualised assessment and treatment plan.