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Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Treatment in Singapore

HOMEConditions we TreatMinimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Treatment in Singapore

A bunion is a condition that develops gradually as changes in the way the big toe joint functions cause the toe to shift out of its normal position. Over time, this leads to structural changes in the front of the foot. Read more below:

What are Bunions (Hallux Valgus)?

A Bunion is a bony bump that forms on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe. The skin over the bony bump usually appears red. This condition is often referred to by its Latin name, hallux valgus. The bony bump is usually a manifestation of a change in the alignment and structure of the foot, with the big toe pointing outwards towards the 2nd toe.

If the bump occurs on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe, the condition is called bunionette.
What is a Bunion
Bunion and Bunionette in Singapore

What is a Bunionette (Tailor's Bunion)?

A bunionette (also called a tailor’s bunion) is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It occurs when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward or the little toe angles inward, which may cause pain, swelling, redness, and discomfort when wearing tight shoes.

Although a bunionette is not as common as a bunion, they have similar causes and symptoms.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bunions?

Bunions (hallux valgus) may present with a combination of visible deformity and discomfort, which can gradually worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Hard bony swelling at the big toe joint, usually seen as a prominent bump at the base of the big toe.
  • Redness, tenderness, and pain around the big toe joint, especially after prolonged walking, standing, or wearing tight footwear.
  • Corns or calluses, which may form where the big toe rubs against the second toe, as well as under the big toe and second toe due to uneven pressure distribution.
  • Big toe drifting towards the second toe, which may cause the toes to appear misaligned.
  • Crossing over or overlapping of the second toe, particularly in more severe cases where crowding develops in the forefoot.
  • Difficulty wearing certain shoes, especially narrow or pointed footwear, due to pressure over the bunion area.
  • Stiffness or reduced movement of the big toe joint, which may occur if the condition becomes advanced or if arthritis develops in the joint.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bunions?

How Can I Reduce the Symptoms of Bunions?

Aside from bunion surgery in Singapore, there are some things one can do to relieve the symptoms of a bunion:

  • Wear comfortable shoes, especially those that have the right fit and size (roomy)
  • Observe or keep track of the feet’s shape as a child grows, especially for those who have bunions in their family
  • Wearing high heels should be limited or avoided
  • Rest one’s feet, especially after a long time of walking or standing

What Are the Causes of a Bunion?

Bunions may be hereditary, where a patient is born with a bunion-prone foot. Inappropriate footwear that is too small or tight with a narrow toe box or high heels may also worsen the condition; hence, women are more prone to having this condition. People with lax ligaments, flat feet and rheumatoid arthritis are also more likely to suffer from this condition.

Dr Seng Chusheng is a bunion specialist in Singapore who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of bunion and bunionettes.
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What Are the Types of Bunions?

What Are the Types of Bunions?

Bunions can develop at different stages of life and may vary in location and underlying cause. Understanding the type of bunion can help guide assessment and management decisions:
  • Congenital hallux valgus: This is a type of bunion that is already present at birth
  • Juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus: This refers to a bunion that forms during childhood. Young people aged 10 to 15 who are diagnosed with flat feet are more likely to develop this type of bunion.
  • Tailor’s bunion: Also known as a bunionette, this type of bunion is smaller and develops on the outside at the end of the pinky toe, unlike the regular bunions that form on the big toe.

Who Is Prone to Getting Bunions?

Common risk factors that can increase the chances of developing bunions are:

  • Genetics

     Foot structure is often inherited, and people with flat feet, low arches, or abnormal bone structure may be more prone to developing bunions.

  • Footwear

     Wearing high heels and improper footwear, such as tight, narrow shoes that crowd the toes for extended periods, increases the pressure on the big toe.

  • Obesity

     Increased body weight puts more pressure on the feet, which may contribute to biomechanical stress and joint misalignment.

  • Chronic Medical Conditions

     Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and polio can alter bone and joint alignment, which can then affect how weight is distributed when walking.

  • Age

     It is more common among adults, ages 50 and beyond, due to joint degeneration. However, bunions can also occur in teens and young adults.

  • Occupational Pressure

     Occupations requiring extensive standing, walking, or repetitive foot stress, like teaching, nursing, and ballet, increase the risk of bunions.

  • Gender

     Women are more prone to developing bunions due to naturally weaker foot tendons and ligaments, frequent use of tight or high-heeled shoes, and hormonal changes during pregnancy that can loosen ligaments and flatten the feet.

When Should I See A Bunions Specialist?

Bunions can be painful, unsightly and inconvenient. When it comes to serious and symptomatic cases, you may wish to consult a bunion surgeon in Singapore when you observe the following:

  • causes intense pain
  • interferes with the individual’s capability to wear shoes
  • results in a visible bump on the joint of the big toe
  • limits motions on the foot or on the big toe

While bunions are generally harmless, they cannot go away naturally; thus surgery is essentially the only definitive way to remove bunions.

How Will the Doctor Evaluate My Bunions?

  • The orthopaedic doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your foot
  • He will also order an X-ray of your foot to determine the severity of the condition

What Are the Possible Complications of Bunions?

Bunions can develop at different stages of life and may vary in location and underlying cause. Understanding the type of bunion can help guide assessment and management decisions:

Though uncommon, having bunions may lead to complications, such as:

  • Bursitis: This occurs when the small fluid-filled pads that cushion the joints become inflamed.
  • Hammertoe: This refers to the abnormal bend that happens in the middle joint of the toe. This condition is caused by an imbalance of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that hold the toe straight.
  • Metatarsalgia: A condition wherein the ball of the foot becomes swollen and painful due to being involved in activities such as running and jumping, as well as wearing shoes that are too tight.
What Are the Possible Complications of Bunions?

What are the Treatment Options for Bunions?

Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments

For mild and early cases, you may be advised to take the following steps to prevent further deterioration of your condition. These include:

  • Proper footwear with a wide toe box and avoiding high-heeled shoes
  • Use of orthotics such as bunion pads, bunion splints, and toe spacers to temporarily correct the alignment and reduce pain
  • Over-the-counter pain medications that can reduce the pain and swelling around the affected big toe
  • For severe cases, if you have a lot of pain while walking despite the measures described above, bunion surgery is the only effective way to treat the condition.
  • 4-6 weeks of physiotherapy treatment may be given to patients to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by bunions; though a change in appearance is unlikely.

Axis Orthopaedic Centre provides personalised bunion or bunionette treatment in Singapore – reach out to us for an appointment today.

Surgical Bunion Treatments

How will my recovery after bunion surgery be?

How will my recovery after bunion surgery be?

After the Singapore bunion treatment, you will be fitted with a special post-operative shoe to protect the bunion correction and allowed to walk.

You should keep your foot elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery to reduce swelling. It is common to have some swelling in your foot for a few months after bunion or bunionette surgery.

Full recovery after bunion surgery may take up to 3-4 months. During this recovery period, you should follow your doctor's instructions about weightbearing, and avoid strenuous physical activities such as running and dancing until he has given you the green light to do so.

What to Expect After Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is generally effective, but recovery and long-term results can be affected by several factors, especially the type of surgical method used and adherence to post-operative care.

These factors can affect how well the bone heals. With minimally invasive techniques, the risk of the bone not healing properly (a complication called non-union) is around 0.3%.

Recurrence rates are around 10–30%. However, proper rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and following your surgeon’s instructions, can significantly improve your recovery and help reduce this risk.

What to Expect After Bunion Surgery
At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, patients can receive assessment and treatment for bunions and related foot deformities.
Schedule a consultation for a clinical evaluation and discussion of suitable treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions on Bunions

At what age do bunions usually develop?
Bunions may develop at any age, but they commonly occur among adult women and adolescent girls aged 10 to 15.
Can the bunion come back after surgery?
While bunion surgery can definitively correct the deformity, it is still possible for the bunion to recur due to genetic predisposition and/or unaddressed biomechanical factors.
What happens if a bunion is left untreated?
If left untreated, the bunion usually worsens and becomes even more deformed and painful, which can significantly affect your mobility and choice of footwear. It can also increase the risk of other complications such as crossover toes.
How long does bunion surgery take?
Bunion surgery could take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the severity of the bunion and what type of bunion surgery is performed.
Can you walk normally after bunion surgery?
In moderate cases, you may be allowed to bear weight on your feet immediately after the surgery, albeit with assistive devices such as a surgical boot, or crutches. However, in severe cases that require a more extensive surgery, patients may have to stay off their feet for up to around two weeks.
Is bunion surgery covered by insurance?
Generally, yes. Medisave and other private health insurance plans usually cover bunion surgery; however, this also depends on the severity of the bunion.
How much does bunion surgery or treatment cost in Singapore?
The cost of bunion surgery and bunion treatments in Singapore can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. This depends on several factors, such as whether you opt for the procedure at a public or private hospital, your insurance coverage, doctor’s fee, facility fee, type of surgery, and so on.

Helpful Links About Bunion

Dr Seng Chuseng

Our Bunion Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng
Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports & Exercise Medicine
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Axis Orthopaedic Centre, specialising in foot and ankle surgery. His expertise includes minimally invasive bunion correction, complex foot and ankle fracture fixation, keyhole ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than a thousand surgeries and manages a broad range of conditions, including general orthopaedic trauma and sport-related knee injuries.

Dr Seng received advanced fellowship training at the Assal Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on complex deformities, trauma and minimally invasive techniques. Before entering private practice, he served as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and continues as a visiting consultant. His dedication to patient care has been recognised with the SingHealth Service With A Heart Award. Actively involved in research and education, Dr Seng regularly presents at local and international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing orthopaedic practice.
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