Bunion (hallux valgus) treatment in Dubai

Where in Dubai

Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with bunions at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Bring the shoes you wear most, including work shoes, and tell him if anyone in your family has bunions. If you have had foot X-rays before, bring the images and the report.

What is bunion (hallux valgus)?

A bunion is a bony lump on the inner side of the foot, at the base of the big toe. It goes with hallux valgus, where the big toe slowly leans towards the smaller toes. Over time the lump often grows, and the big toe can press against or cross over the second toe. Pain comes from shoes rubbing on the lump and from crowding of the other toes. The skin over it may be hard, swollen or red. Bunions are more common in women and often run in families. Narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes add to the problem, and so can rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment without surgery cannot reverse a bunion, but it can ease the pain. Surgery is for painful bunions, not for how the foot looks.

Common signs

• A hard lump on the side of the foot, by the big toe.
• A big toe that points towards, or crosses, the other toes.
• Pain over the lump that is worse in shoes and when walking.
• Pain in the ball of the foot or the smaller toes from crowding.
• A bunion that is getting worse, or hard skin where shoes rub.

How Dr. Subhash approaches it

His services list includes the treatment of hallux valgus, the big toe deformity behind a bunion. Dr. Subhash examines the foot standing and sitting, checks how the big toe joint moves, and arranges X-rays to see how far the toe has drifted and whether the joint has arthritis. He looks at your shoes, explains what can ease the pain without an operation, and tells you when surgery is worth discussing.

What to expect

1. 01

   Consultation

   He asks when the lump appeared, what shoes you wear for work and sport, and whether bunions run in your family.

2. 02

   Examination

   He looks at the foot standing and sitting, checks the big toe joint and the other toes, and looks for hard skin where shoes rub.

3. 03

   X-rays

   X-rays show the angle of the big toe and whether the joint has arthritis.

4. 04

   Treatment plan

   Wider shoes with room for the toes and a low heel, soft bunion pads, insoles, toe spacers or splints, ice, and anti-inflammatory pain relief.

5. 05

   Review

   He checks how the pain responds. If pain and difficulty walking continue despite these changes, he explains what bunion surgery involves and whether it suits you.

Getting better

Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.

• Non-surgical care does not shrink the bunion, but it often eases the pain and may slow it getting worse.
• After bunion surgery, most people go home the same day, and the foot needs rest and raising for at least two weeks.
• After surgery, people are typically off work for 2 to 12 weeks, do not drive for 6 to 8 weeks, and avoid sport for 3 to 6 months.

Risks to know about

• Bunions sometimes come back after surgery, more often in teenagers operated on before they have finished growing.
• After surgery the big toe may be stiffer or weaker, may not be perfectly straight, and some pain may remain.
• A bunion pad that is too thick can increase the pressure on the lump. Try a new pad for a short time first.

When to book a visit

Where to book