Are you dealing with a bony protrusion at the base of your big toe? It is likely to be a bunion, also known as a hallux valgus. This is a common developmental condition affecting many people, young and old, no matter their health and fitness level.
Bunions may seem like a minor problem that makes your foot look a little different. However, bunions tend to worsen with time, which may lead to an array of potential issues that have the potential to affect your everyday life in various ways. It can be important to identify any underlying factors, implement necessary changes, and work towards minimising and managing the negative effects bunions may have as promptly as possible.
If you are living with a bunion, taking steps to alleviate the issue and prevent it from worsening may help reduce the impact it has on your life. Read on to learn more about bunions and how we can help.
What Are Bunions?
Bunions occur when the natural alignment of the big toe is disturbed. The toe starts to shift inwards towards your smaller toes, which causes the joint to protrude on the inner side of your foot. This issue typically occurs when there has been extra pressure on the inside area of your foot for an extended period. This may be due to poorly fitting shoes, your foot posture and or the way you walk and stand for a long time. Certain health conditions, such as arthritis or gout, may also cause bunions, as well as genetics.
How Can Bunions Impact You Day to Day?
Bunions can affect each person differently. They may be minimally invasive for some while being significantly problematic for others. It is important to understand that, although the issue may not currently impact your life negatively, without care it has the potential to head that way. That is why it is advantageous to understand the possible symptoms and effects so that you know when and how to act.
Some of the ways bunions may affect your everyday life include:
Discomfort
Bunions can cause pain of varying degrees and types. For many people the joint change will result in pain affecting the big ball of the foot or other areas of the forefoot. The change in shape of the forefoot can result in pain from wearing shoes because the bunion rubs or is irritated by the shoe pressure. This can also lead to further issues such as calluses and blisters. Other people find that the misalignment of the big toe can affect the muscles and tendons on the inside of the foot and underneath. This may lead to aching, tightness, or burning pain.
Reduced Mobility and Balance
The misalignment of the foot can also lead to instability and reduced movement within the foot. This may mean that you might lose your balance, your affected foot may feel weak, or simple tasks, such as bending down, may become challenging. Misalignment of the big toe joint may be accompanied by osteoarthritis at this joint and through the midfoot. In these cases, a wealth of evidence exists supporting the direct relationship to developing symptoms of chronic lower back pain.
Aesthetics
Bunions can significantly alter the look of your foot. The protrusion at the base of your big toe may become quite large, and your toe may bend into your smaller toes, creating a twisted or cramped appearance. Bunions may also become swollen or red, or the skin may become thick or irritated. These factors can make some people feel self-conscious or embarrassed, and some may avoid wearing certain shoes or having bare feet.
Treatment for Bunions
As bunions can progress and cause foot discomfort or even lead to chronic lower back pain, mobility issues, and low self-esteem, seeking professional care can be advantageous. There are several approaches that may assist in managing bunions and improving your comfort and movement.
Some methods that we may implement to help reduce the impact bunions have on your daily life include:
Manual therapy is designed to stretch and strengthen and mobilise the affected area in an effort to provide relief, improved joint range of motion and promote better alignment.
Foot strengthening combined with foot and postural awareness programs are a mainstay of our approach. The focus of these programs is to improve your dynamic function and propulsive efficient walking and running technique.
Knowing what to look for in shoes and socks is essential in the management of bunions. We can advise you on the most appropriate and fashionable options for your foot shape, foot size, and gait.
Taping and customised toe splints can be easily made to assist in improved alignment and protection of neighbouring toes. This may help to alleviate the pressure from shoes.
A range of Foot Orthotics designed for your specific foot including 3D-printed orthotics can help your foot’s alignment, stability, and strength, which may help prevent or manage bunions.
Cold therapy and relevant medications may help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Manage Bunions at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre
If you are experiencing issues with a bunion or are aware that one may be developing, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. We can assess your feet and will acknowledge your individual circumstances in an effort to identify underlying factors and potentially provide interventions based on a personalised treatment plan. Please contact our team to organise your initial consultation.
