Painful Bunions
Painful Bunions, what are they ?
A bunion is a bony prominence on the side of the foot. This prominence usually occurs just below the big toe near the joint. This region of the foot is commonly referred to as the first metatarsal head. A bunion in this area is medically referred to as “Hallux Valgus” or “Hallux Abducto Valgus”. A similar type of prominence can also occur just below the small toe joint on the outer edge of the foot. This type of bunion on the little toe side of the foot is sometimes called a bunionette or “Tailor’s Bunion”.
What leads to the development of a bunion?
Bunions can be caused by several factors. These include:
- Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis may result in bone deformation, leading to the formation of a bony bunion prominence.
- Biomechanical imbalances: Dysfunction in foot function and muscular imbalances can cause excessive tightening or contraction of muscles, along with weaknesses in opposing muscles. This imbalance can eventually lead to misalignment of the big toe joint and the formation of a bunion.
- Post-surgical complications: Malfunctions arising after surgery can result in bone deformities, contributing to the development of bunions.
- Improper nerve function: Issues with nerve function in the feet and lower legs can contribute to muscle imbalances, further exacerbating the likelihood of developing bunions.
- Poorly fitting footwear: While improper footwear can accelerate the onset of bunions, it is rarely the sole cause. Ill-fitting shoes can contribute to bunion formation, but other factors also play a significant role in their development.
Looking for a Chadstone or Malvern Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment?
BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Assessment
Call to schedule a Malvern Podiatrist Appointment
Call Us – 03 9061 7324
Call schedule a Chadstone Podiatrist Appointment
Call Us – 03 8682 8589
Looking for a Chadstone or Malvern Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment?
BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Assessment
Call to schedule a Malvern Podiatrist Appointment
Call schedule a Chadstone Podiatrist Appointment
How can Bunions be treated?
Treatment for bunion problems can vary from simple conservative management using bunion exercises all the way to bunion surgery in very severe cases. At Best Foot Forward Podiatry, our aim is to resolve your bunion pain without surgery. We have a number of options available to do this including:
- Strengthening exercises – we aim to improve strength and function of the abductor hallucis muscle. This muscle is often weak or inactive. We need to take steps through mobilisation and exercises to enable the abductor hallucis muscle to function correctly and oppose the often excessively tight adductor hallucis muscle.
- Stretching of specific muscles – the adductor hallucis muscle is often very tight or contracting excessively. Stretching is sometimes recommended and may involve the aid of a bunion splint if needed. Night splints for bunions alone tend to be ineffective, however, if used in combination with other treatments mentioned here, splints can be a useful adjunctive treatment.
- Footwear analysis and advice is very important as the wrong shoes can make the problem worse.
- Joint mobilisation or foot mobilisation is often an integral part of treatment to ensure the joints, muscles and nerves have the best opportunity to function at their optimum levels.
- Foot orthotics are sometimes needed to restore balance and alignment especially in a hypermobile foot type. Orthotics can also play an important role in redirecting load away from painful joints and restoring normal motion at the big toe joint (1st metatarsophalangeal joint). High dosage modifications such as long 1st MPJ cut outs, more proximal MLA support and metatarsal domes may need to be considered along with other forefoot modifications in an effort to encourage plantarflexion and stability of the first ray.
Looking for a Chadstone or Malvern Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment?
BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Assessment
Call to schedule a Malvern Podiatrist Appointment
Call Us – 03 9061 7324
Call schedule a Chadstone Podiatrist Appointment
Call Us – 03 8682 8589
Get In Touch
For more information and an assessment, please book your appointment to see one of our trained podiatrists.