A bunion, or hallux valgus, occurs when the big toe gradually shifts toward the second toe, causing a bony bump to develop at its base. This misalignment can make everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.
While mild bunions may only cause occasional irritation, the condition can worsen over time if left untreated. Seeking early assessment allows a doctor to determine whether non-surgical management is sufficient or if surgical correction may be needed for lasting relief.
A bunion doctor is an orthopaedic surgeon with specific expertise in foot and ankle deformities, including hallux valgus correction. In Singapore, consulting a specialist at a recognised foot and ankle clinic ensures a structured evaluation of alignment, function and lifestyle needs.
You may wish to see a bunion doctor if:

Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Axis Orthopaedic Centre, specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and a Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery from the National University of Singapore. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Dr Seng completed his subspecialty training at the Assal Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, where he trained under PD Dr Mathieu Assal, Dr Lisca Drittenbass and Dr Victor Dubois-Ferrière, focusing on deformity correction and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. Before moving into private practice, he served as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and continues to contribute as a visiting consultant.
Learn more about him here: https://www.axisortho.com.sg/
Treatment for bunions depends on the severity of the deformity, symptoms and impact on daily activities. Early intervention can help relieve discomfort and slow progression, while advanced cases may require surgical correction to restore alignment and mobility.
For mild to moderate bunions, treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further worsening rather than correcting the deformity. Common approaches include:
While these methods can ease pain and delay progression, they generally cannot reverse the misalignment.
Surgical treatment, or hallux valgus correction, may be advised when pain persists despite conservative care, the deformity worsens or walking becomes difficult. Surgery aims to realign the bones of the big toe, relieve pressure and restore proper function. The choice of surgical technique depends on factors such as bone structure, toe alignment, activity level and recovery goals.
Recovery after bunion surgery depends on the surgical technique used, the severity of the deformity and individual healing response. Proper aftercare plays a key role in achieving the best outcome.
Typical recovery steps include:
Most patients can resume normal walking and wear regular shoes after recovery, though complete healing and return to full activity may take several months.
A bunion may start as a mild inconvenience but can progressively lead to pain, swelling and difficulty with footwear if left untreated. Seeking early evaluation from a qualified specialist helps prevent worsening symptoms and supports long-term foot function.
Consulting a bunion specialist in Singapore ensures that your condition is accurately diagnosed and managed with a personalised treatment plan. Specialists can assess the severity of the deformity, identify contributing factors and recommend the most suitable approach.
At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Seng Chusheng offers expert evaluation and management of bunions and other foot and ankle conditions. His patient-centred approach focuses on achieving lasting relief and restoring comfort, mobility and confidence in movement.