Bunion Surgery Treatment in Dubai
When a Bunion is left untreated, it might not just be confined to an annoyance; it can rather transpire into a constant source of pain and discomfort. It can even make walking difficult.
If you visit our foot specialist, Dr Ehab Kheir, for bunion treatment in Dubai, he may recommend surgery in case you are facing toe stiffness, difficulty with walking, or if all other non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion, medically referred to as hallux valgus, is a bony prominence on the side of the big toe that usually exists alone but can sometimes be associated with other foot problems.
This deviation leads to friction and pressure within shoes, causing inflammation and discomfort.
Causes of Bunion
Bunions are a common foot deformity, affecting up to 1 in 3 people at some point in their lives. Bunions have no known causes. It usually runs in families, and genetics play a significant role in its progression. They are more prevalent in the shoe-wearing population. Women are more affected than men, and there is ligament laxity in the big toe joints.
Other contributing factors include injury, inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), joint hypermobility, and flatfoot deformity
Symptoms of a Bunion
Our foot expert provides bunion treatment in Dubai for the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in the ball of your foot
- Pain at the base of your big toe
- Tenderness around the big second toe joint, especially when standing on it or moving it back and forth.
- A bump on the side of your big toe at the point where it connects to your foot (the head of bone at this joint may be enlarged)
- If these symptoms intensify, surgery may be required.
What is a Bunion Surgery?
A bunion surgery in Dubai involves the removal and realignment of the soft tissue and bone in your toe joint. Our foot and ankle surgeon will usually make an incision in the top or side of the toe joint. Using screws or plates to keep bones in place, he may then work to remove bone lumps, realign bones, or fuse joints together, depending on the type of surgery.
Indications for Bunion Surgery
Bunion removal surgery is commonly performed for two reasons:
- Nonsurgical treatments for bunion pain are losing effectiveness or are no longer effective.
- The intensity of pain, size, or shape of the bunion is interfering with your daily life, making it difficult to perform routine tasks.
Types of Bunion Surgeries
There are over 20 bunion surgeries. Among the most common surgeries are:
Exostectomy or Bunionectomy – These procedures involve the removal of a portion of the metatarsal head, which is responsible for the bunion bump that protrudes from the toe joint.
Realignment Procedures – As a bunion grows, the big toe frequently turns in, which is often the source of the most pain. To relieve pain, realigning bones (osteotomy) and balancing the adjacent ligaments helps restore toes to their normal position.
Fusion Surgeries – Fusion surgery helps to reduce pain by preventing movement between two bones. The following are two common fusion surgeries when it comes to bunion treatment in Dubai:
- 1st MTP joint Arthrodesis – Arthrodesis is used to fuse the bones that make up the big toe joint when arthritis is already established..
- Lapidus – The Lapidus procedure is used to fuse the joint between the metatarsal bone and the midfoot.
Duration of the Surgery
The duration of bunion surgery is determined by several factors, including the type of surgery and whether multiple procedures are performed concurrently. The surgery itself will typically take an hour or more, but you will be at the hospital or surgery centre for a couple of hours prior to and post-procedure.
Is the procedure painful?
No, the procedure itself is not painful. A local anaesthetic will be used to desensitise your foot, preventing you from feeling pain. You will also be given painkillers to help you feel more at ease.
Recovery
The time required to recover from bunion surgery depends on the type of surgery you have undergone, your overall health, and other factors. The initial recovery period is usually between six weeks and six months, but complete healing can take up to a year.
Physical therapy sessions to strengthen foot muscles and improve mobility may be recommended by our surgeon as part of your recovery.
Talk to our Foot Specialist, Dr Ehab Kheir, for an apt Bunion treatment in Dubai
If you have been encountering constant discomfort and painful symptoms due to bunions, it is important to seek professional advice from a foot specialist like Dr Ehab Kheir. With his expertise and personalized approach, he can help determine if bunion surgery is the right option for you. Don’t let bunions hold you back any longer – schedule a consultation with Dr Ehab today and take the first step towards healthier, happier, and pain-free feet.
