Bunion Treatment In Dubai
What are bunions ?
Bunions or Hallux valgus are painful bony bumps that develop on the base of the big toe joint. Normally the big toe is aligned straight. This position is maintained by the shape of the joint and tendons working on either side of the joint. If the joint becomes unstable, they pull tendons in the wrong direction. This causes the big toe head to move towards the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out, resulting in a bony prominence called Bunion.
For this reason, it has to be understood that Bunion is not a ‘growth’ but rather a mal-positioning of the bones in the foot.
The foot doctors target correcting the bony bump as bunion treatment in Dubai.
What causes a bunion?
There is no known cause of bunions. It usually runs in families, and genetics play a vital role in their development. They are more common in shoe wearing population. Women are affected more than men, and ligament laxity is noted in the big toe joints.
What symptoms of bunions are present in the patient?
Patients with bunions feel pain and bony prominence on the big-toe foot base. They can get redness and blisters around the bony bump. Women find it difficult to wear closed shoes for a reasonable time. The pain persists even when the shoes are removed.
The increasing projection and deformity may displace the second toe upward; as a result, the second toe may rub against the shoe..
It might also cause crowding of toes. Crowding of the toes may lead to secondary pain under the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). Finding appropriate shoe wear can become difficult. These callosities, both in the big toe and corresponding 2nd toe, make it a cosmetic issue.
What happens when you see the doctor for bunion treatment in Dubai?
Your foot doctor will take a detailed history and examine your feet while standing and sitting. X-rays will be taken while you are standing to get an accurate picture. The angle between the bones is measured, and the severity of the bunion is established.
What treatments are there to reduce my pain due to Bunions?
Most foot doctors in Dubai advise wearing customised shoe wear that is designed to correct the deformity while also being a comfortable fit on the foot. We recommend using soft lace-up shoes as much as possible. Off-the-counter bunion protectors, toe alignment straps, and toe spacers should be tried.
When is bunion surgery advised?
If all nonsurgical measures fail to control the pain and you still experience difficulty in wearing shoes for your work and exercise purposes, then Dr Meda may recommend bunion surgery in Dubai.
Typically, bunion surgery is also recommended:
- If you are developing problems with the second toe, like a hammer toe, and feel pain and swelling in the 2nd toe joint,
- If you develop hard callosities (thick skin to protect against friction) in the ball of the foot under the 2nd or 3rd toe, then it is better to correct the bunion deformity to improve all the symptoms.
- If the angular deflection and bony projection are constantly increasing.
What are the aims of bunion surgery?
The key aims of bunion surgery are to reposition the 1st metatarsal head back closer to the 2nd metatarsal and rebalance the displaced tendons to their original position. These are achieved by making a cut in the 1st metatarsal bone and shifting it towards the 2nd metatarsal to close the gap between them. The tendons are balanced by releasing the contracted ligament on the outside and tightening the capsule on the inside.
What types of bunion surgeries in Dubai are performed?
For a mild to moderate bunion deformity, a modest displacement is sufficient, which is achieved using a Chevron osteotomy. In this, a ‘V- shaped’ bone cut is made in the 1st metatarsal and displaced towards the 2nd metatarsal. The bone adjustment is fixed with a small screw. In some cases, an additional cut is done in the small phalangeal bone called ‘Akin’ to aid correction and realign the tendons.
For moderate to severe bunion deformity, a big displacement is needed, which is done with Scarf osteotomy. In this, a ‘Z-shaped’ bone cut is made, and the 1st metatarsal and displaced towards the 2nd metatarsal. This is fixed with two small screws. In some cases, an additional cut is done in the small phalangeal bone called ‘Akin’ to complement the correction and realign the tendons.
Dr K.P. Meda uses a minimally invasive, or ‘keyhole surgery’, to do the bunion treatment in Dubai. Keyhole surgery has many advantages. Let’s understand them one by one.
Also Read- Are Bunions a Hereditary Foot Problem?
What is keyhole bunion surgery?
Keyhole surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where the operation is done through very small incision portals, like a ‘ keyhole’ (only a few millimetres). In contrast to traditional surgery, MIS avoids making long incisions, making bunion treatment in Dubai convenient and recovery faster.
What are the advantages?
Minimally Invasive bunion & foot surgery has many advantages over open surgery. It leads to:
- Less invasive
- Faster recovery
- Minimal pain after surgery
- Less damage to tissues
- Less internal scarring
- Less joint stiffness
- Day care surgery
- Faster return to work and normal activities
- Better result
Is the postoperative period painful?
No, not really. In the last 15 years, the management of bunion surgery has improved significantly. Previously, patients used to have bad experiences due to no fixation of bones and plaster and pins on it for 6 weeks. Currently, the bones are fixed with screws, stabilising them and decreasing pain significantly.
Also, you will be given a long-acting local anaesthetic to numb the toe for 8-12 hours and pain-controlling medications for pain relief. You will be recommended a special shoe called ‘Podalite’ which will allow you to walk on the heel on the same day with crutches. This shoe needs to be used for 6 weeks until the bone consolidates.
What are the postoperative instructions?
Bunion surgery is performed as a day case. If both sides are operated, you will have to stay overnight. The surgery is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. A local anaesthetic nerve block is given for better pain control. You will have a bandage and special shoes to walk on with crutches.
You will be given painkillers to alleviate post-op pain. You will have a blood thinning tablet for 4-6 weeks to avoid blood clots in the calf.
For the first 2 weeks, you have to keep your foot elevated as much as possible to help reduce the swelling, which helps the wound heal. If you walk or stand too much, your foot will swell and become painful. If the wound does not heal in time, there will be a higher risk of infection.
We will see you in 2 weeks to remove the sutures and continue in the special shoe for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, you will have an X-ray, and when the healing is in progress, you will be able to wear comfortable soft shoes.
From 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, you are allowed to walk, swim and cycle with comfortable shoes. After 12 weeks, you can start wearing all types of shoes, including high heels. Running and jogging are allowed at 12 weeks. Expect some swelling on and off for 6 months.
Also Read- Life after Bunions-Post bunion surgery recovery Guide
Why choose Dr KP Meda for bunion treatment in Dubai?
Dr KP Meda is a senior UK-trained Foot & Ankle specialist in Dubai. He uses state-of-the-art MISS techniques for foot and ankle surgeries giving minimal scars and excellent functionalities. Bunion treatment in Dubai is one of his speciality treatments.
Seeking bunion surgery in Dubai? Book an appointment with the expert, Dr KP Meda, and get rid of your bunions.
Bunion surgery is a successful operation. With the modern methods of surgical fixation, local nerve blocks, pain medications, the pain is mild to moderate for the first 2 to 3 days. Pain management is also different for each person; a foot and ankle specialist can best advise you on what suits you. Our anaesthetic team provides state-of-the-art anaesthesia to ensure a good experience in the hospital. Afterwards, medications, ice packs and rest are recommended to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Post surgery with the special shoe we provide you can walk on the same day with crutches. However, listening to Dr KP Meda’s advice and following their guidelines as closely as possible is essential. In general, walking should be done as minimally as possible to reduce swelling and promote skin healing and to avoid complications.
Bunions do progress slowly over the years, so it is best to address the issue as soon as possible. Bunion pain can worsen over time; the longer you wait, the more severe the bunion can become. Additionally, it may require additional treatments or surgical techniques to achieve a successful result. If you wish to address your bunion concerns, talk to your foot specialist Dr KP Meda for professional advice on how best to proceed.
Absolutely! Following bunion surgery, you will need to follow Dr KP Meda’s specific instructions, but in general you would be able to walk. It is essential to be cautious when walking. We recommend using an orthopaedic shoe to help keep weight off of the area while you heal. Additionally, you can always call us if you have any specific questions about your recovery process following bunion surgery.
Recovery times vary depending on your situation, but most patients generally expect to return to regular activities in 6 weeks of the procedure. As you continue with your recovery process, you must follow all instructions from your doctor and practice healthy habits such as stretching and getting plenty of rest. Additionally, you should contact your healthcare provider Dr KP Meda immediately if anything seems abnormal or if you experience any pain or other issues associated with the recovery period.’
The chances of a bunion returning after surgery are small. But it may happen over many years if you do not follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions and wear shoes that fit correctly. Keeping your feet healthy and robust with exercises like stretches or arch strengthening is vital to decrease the chances of a bunion returning. We recommend consulting with a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon like Dr KP Meda for more personalised advice.
The cost of bunion surgery will depend on the bunion deformity, the surgical procedure used, and other factors. Generally, a bunion surgery is covered in your medical insurance. If you do not have an insurance the hospital can give a total package cost upon request. It can range from USD 4000 to 6000 . Consulting with a qualified specialist like Dr KP Meda is best for a more accurate cost estimate. Get an estimate based on your medical needs and any insurance or payment options available to you.
It’s best to consult foot surgeon Dr KP Meda to determine if bunion surgery is required. There affecting factors are the size and location of the bunion, the severity of your symptoms, and any underlying medical conditions. Dr Meda will evaluate your situation and suggest what is right for you.
No, not all bunions require surgical treatment; it depends on your bunion’s severity. Some bunions can be managed and treated with conservative methods like proper shoe wear, splints, custom orthotics, and topical medication. However, if the bunion is severe or is causing considerable pain or discomfort, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. We suggest talking to a specialist like Dr KP Meda to assess your condition accurately and determine the best treatment.
It is recommended to wait at least six weeks before driving after surgery. Give your body enough time to heal and regain control over the affected limbs—like your arms or legs. Additionally, we suggest talking with Dr KP Meda about whether it would be safe to drive again; they may recommend additional tests or assessments before giving you the go-ahead.
