A small problem with your feet might grow into something worse if it is left unchecked. Before that happens, you should consult an ankle specialist in Singapore to solve the problem right away.
Ankle specialists and orthopaedists specialise in treating skeletal-related conditions affecting the feet. Some of these conditions might appear harmless at first, but your doctor might unravel some potential problems, including bunions.
WHAT ARE BUNIONS?
If you ever feel a bony bump that forms in one of your big toes, you may be experiencing a medical condition called “bunions”. At first, it may be painless, but you might feel a growing pain on your feet as time progresses.
A bunion grows on the base of your big toe, and it can worsen over time if you leave it untreated. Bunions form by putting a joint out of its usual position, causing a large, bony bump that can cause slight to severe discomfort.
While bunions are not life-threatening, they can get very frustrating if the pain worsens. At that point, you might have to undergo bunion surgery in Singapore, especially if the joint is already obtuse.
WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS
The exact cause of bunions is unknown today. Your ankle specialist will give you a theory or explanation of how your toe has developed a bunion. However, there is no guaranteed way to identify the root cause.
Nonetheless, some factors can cause the development of bunions. For example, wearing tight shoes and socks could play a role in forming bunions. Foot injuries are also a risk factor attributed to bunions.
Most experts agree that genetics, deformities, and inherited foot types are risk factors that could cause bunions to develop. While all of these mentioned examples may develop bunions, no single risk factor alone is the root cause. A combination of all these factors may only increase the risk.
Other risk factors include:
- Wearing high heels
- Arthritis
- Hereditary causes
If you possess all of these risk factors and have experienced a bony bump in your big toe, there is a high chance that you have a bunion. You can prevent it from getting worse by visiting an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The main symptom of bunions is the bulging bump on the side of your big toe. You might see a bit of swelling, redness, and bruising around your big toe too. Corns or calluses may also start to appear if the condition gets worse.
The worst part about getting bunions is experiencing pain and swelling. The discomfort comes and goes from time to time. The intensity of the pain will depend on the severity of the bunion. You will also find it hard to move around your feet or toe, so keep that in mind when going outside for a long time.
If the symptoms worsen, it may be time to consult an ankle specialist who can solve your problem. Visit a trusted orthopaedic clinic to find out if your feet require treatment or surgery.
Most cases of bunions do not require treatment or surgery. However, you may have to go through bunion surgery if the symptoms persist. For that reason, consulting an ankle specialist is highly advisable, especially if the pain and the symptoms are still manageable.
HOW TO TREAT BUNIONS?
Your local orthopaedic clinic has everything you need to get rid of your bunion. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms to discover the perfect solution.
While most bunion-related problems are easily solvable, others require extensive evaluation before you can come up with an ideal solution. Complications such as bursitis, metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of your foot), and hammertoe can make treatment more challenging.
For extreme cases, patients may have to undergo bunion surgery to remove the bump and swelling. Even though it sounds intimidating, the procedure is usually painless. The surgeon shall inject anaesthesia into your body so you will not feel any pain. You will be awake during the entire time, but your lower ankle will be completely numb.
Once the anaesthesia kicks in, your surgeon will remove the big bump on your toe. There are three ways to do so: osteotomy, exostectomy, and arthrodesis.
With osteotomy, the surgeon will cut off the big toe joint and return it to its original position. On the other hand, exostectomy refers to removing the big toe joint without aligning it. As for arthrodesis, the surgeon will replace the joint with metal scraps or screws.
Each type of bunion surgery has its perks and benefits. The ideal procedure will depend on your doctor’s assessment of your condition. After the surgery, your doctor will wrap your foot with bandages. It will only take a couple of hours until you are ready to leave and go home.
You can also undergo nonsurgical treatment of bunions if possible. For this type of procedure, you will wear customisable shoes as prescribed by your doctor. The goal is to mitigate the deformity and prevent it from worsening by letting the patient wear wider shoes with comfy pads.
HOW TO PREVENT BUNIONS?
The easiest way to prevent bunions from forming is by wearing comfortable shoes. Depending on the size of your feet, your shoes should be a little bit wider on the front so they will not restrict your big toes.
If your feet start to feel uncomfortable (especially on the front end of your toes), you may need to wear a different pair of shoes. Investing in high-quality shoes is worth it, considering how your feet will be the ones that will benefit from your purchase the most.
For more facts about bunion removal and surgery, consult an ankle specialist in Singapore today. Your doctor will tell you everything you need to know about taking care of your feet.
