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Bunions are abnormal bony growths that occur at the base of the big toe, i.e., at the joint where the big toe meets the foot (metatarsophalangeal or MTP joint).

Bunions, in most cases, are the result of excessive pressure on the big toe caused by improper footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, or even inflammatory conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

What makes bunions (hallux valgus) different from other foot conditions is that they cause structural changes to the foot, which worsen over time. What starts as pain and stiffness gradually leads to severe mobility issues, making it difficult to even carry out simple daily activities.

Over time, the pain and mobility issues severely affect the patient’s work, leisure, and even sleep. Big toe deformity (hallux valgus), when left untreated, may develop into hammertoes, crossover toes, or Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot), worsening overall foot health,” says one of our bunion correction specialists at MKFAC in Mumbai.

Bunions (Hallux Valgus) worsen over time and are irreversible without surgical correction. So does every type of bunion needs surgery? Let’s find out:

Bunion / Hallux Valgus Treatment in Mumbai

After proper diagnosis, a bunion or hallux valgus specialist in Mumbai evaluates the severity of the bunion and its symptoms and devises a treatment plan based on the patient’s specific condition and immediate goals.

Footwear changes, usage of bunion pads and taping, orthotic devices are some initial lifestyle changes suggested by bunion treatment specialists. Alongside these changes, medical interventions such as pain relievers, corticosteroid injections are also suggested based on the specific stage of the bunion.

Only when these non-surgical treatment options fail to provide sufficient relief, and if the bunion is severe enough to interfere with walking or daily life - hallux valgus surgery considered by the orthopedic surgeon.

Surgery for Hallux Valgus Correction in Mumbai

“Surgery for bunions is the only way to permanently remove the excess bony growth and realign the foot to its natural position. But it is only recommended when the symptoms or severe and non-operative treatments do not relieve the symptoms” says our expert foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Pradeep Moonot, who specializes in hallux valgus surgery in Mumbai.

Different surgical options are considered for hallux valgus correction in Mumbai, based on the severity and type of bunion:

1. Osteotomy is most commonly performed hallux valgus correction surgery in Mumbai, where the surgeon makes small cuts in the bone and uses tiny screws or pins to realign the toe joint. Today bunion surgery specialists in Mumbai are also leveraging minimally invasive surgery options to make this procedure effective and comfortable.
2. Arthrodesis is a common surgical method that is chosen by the orthopedic surgeons when arthritis is the reason behind the bunion formation. This procedure involves removing the damaged joint and fusing the bones using surgical hardware to allow natural bone fusion.
3. Lepidus is another hallux valgus correction surgery that fixes severe bunions and unstable toes by joining a bone in the middle of the foot.
4. Exostectomy is hallux valgus surgery where the hallux valgus (bunions) are simply shaved off and the toe is realigned. This type of surgery is relatively rare and performed to correct minor bunions.

Surgery is the only permanent fix for progressive bunions, and different procedures are used depending on the type of bunion. However, surgery is not a one-off solution when it comes to hallux valgus correction. Surgical treatment requires exceptional skill and continuous post-operative care to ensure the bunion is permanently corrected.

If you are in Mumbai and looking for bunion or hallux valgus surgery, Dr. Pradeep Moonot is among the top foot and ankle surgeons specializing in this condition.

One of the best bunion surgery experts in India, Dr. Pradeep Moonot has helped hundreds of patients permanently get rid of foot and ankle conditions like bunions. His consistent and well-documented track record in hallux valgus correction in Mumbai is a testament to his excellence.

Check out patient testimonials here: MKFAC - Dr Pradeep Moonot Testimonials