Bunion Treatment and Surgery in Singapore
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to lean inward toward the other toes. This misalignment can result in pain, swelling and discomfort, particularly when wearing tight shoes or standing for extended periods.
At Axis Bunion Clinic, we specialise in providing both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to individual needs. Your care plan is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and the severity of the condition, with the aim of relieving pain and helping you move comfortably again.
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a bunion requires a careful assessment of your symptoms and the alignment of your foot. This helps your doctor determine the severity of the condition and recommend suitable treatment.
Medical History – The doctor reviews symptoms, activity limitations and contributing factors such as family history, arthritis or previous foot injuries. Gait Assessment – Your walking pattern may be evaluated to understand how the bunion affects foot mechanics and places strain on surrounding joints. Physical Examination – The foot is examined for alignment, swelling, tenderness and range of motion at the big toe joint. Weight-Bearing X-ray – X-rays taken while standing allow the doctor to observe how the bones align under pressure. This helps measure the severity of the deformity and identify any joint changes.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Bunions
If your bunion is mild or detected early, conservative treatment may help reduce symptoms and slow further progression. Your doctor may recommend:
Wearing shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the joint Avoiding narrow footwear or high heels that push the toes together Using orthotics such as bunion pads, splints or toe spacers to provide temporary support Taking over the counter medication to reduce pain and swellingFor mild to moderate bunions that continue to cause discomfort, minimally invasive surgery may be considered. In more severe cases where the alignment of the toe is significantly affected, open surgery may be recommended to restore proper joint position.
If bunion pain is affecting the way you walk or move through your day, a proper assessment can help you better understand your treatment options.
Contact Axis Bunion Clinic at 9711 8888 to arrange a consultation.
Bunion Removal Surgery
When non surgical measures no longer provide sufficient relief, bunion surgery may be recommended to correct the alignment of the joint and relieve persistent pain. Several procedures may be used depending on the severity of the bunion and the condition of the joint.
Osteotomy
An osteotomy involves making small cuts in the bone to realign the big toe joint. The bones are then repositioned so that the toe returns to a more natural alignment.
Exostectomy
An exostectomy removes the bony bump from the big toe joint. This procedure is often performed together with an osteotomy to address the underlying alignment of the toe.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis is typically used when arthritis has affected the joint. Damaged portions of the joint are removed and the bones are stabilised with screws so they can fuse together during healing.
What to Expect During Bunion Surgery
An ankle block anaesthesia is administered to numb the foot
A small incision is made to remove the bunion and correct the alignment of the joint
The bones are stabilised and the incision is stitched
Your foot is bandaged and you will be monitored in the recovery area before discharge
Bunion pain can gradually limit your ability to stay active.
If persistent swelling or severe discomfort begins to interfere with daily activities, surgical treatment may help address the condition and restore comfort.
Healing and Recovery After Surgery
After bunion surgery, some swelling is to be expected. In the first few days, keeping your foot elevated can help reduce this swelling and support the early stages of healing. As your recovery progresses, the timeline can vary depending on the severity of your bunion and the type of procedure performed. For many patients, a full recovery is often achieved within three to four months.
Throughout this period, follow-up visits with your doctor are important. They allow your healing to be closely monitored and help identify if any adjustments to your care are needed. Your doctor may also recommend physiotherapy to gradually restore strength, flexibility, and proper movement to the joint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunion Treatment
Our Bunion Doctor, Dr Seng Chusheng
Dr Seng Chusheng
Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports & Exercise Medicine
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in minimally invasive foot surgery, particularly in the treatment of bunions. He is experienced in both minimally invasive and open bunion correction procedures, as well as a wide range of foot and ankle surgeries including fracture fixation, ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair. Over the course of his practice, Dr Seng has performed more than a thousand surgical procedures involving the foot and ankle. Beyond clinical practice, he has presented his work at numerous orthopaedic conferences, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting.
Meet Our Bunion DoctorAt Axis Bunion Clinic, supporting our patients in their recovery and regaining mobility is our top priority.
We welcome patients from all walks of life and aim to provide thoughtful, personalised care at every stage of treatment. If bunion pain is affecting your daily life, contact us at 9711 8888 to arrange a same day or next day consultation.
Contact Info
Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road, #06-33Singapore 329563
Parkway East Medical Centre
319 Joo Chiat Place, #04-08,Singapore 427989
Mount Alvernia
Medical Centre A
820 Thomson Road, #03-08,Singapore 574623
Telephone
Operating Hours
| Mon - Fri | : | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Sat | : | 8:30am - 12:30pm |
| Sunday & PH : Closed | ||