Bunions

What is it ?

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a painful bony bump that develop on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint. Bunions occur when the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes and the outside of the foot.

Causes

• Genetics

• Ill-fitting shoes i.e shoes with high heels and/or narrow toe box.

• Abnormal foot posture/biomechanics of feet (flat feet or hypermobility)

• Other systemic conditions: rheumatoid arthritis

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain with walking

• Skin irritation like callus, corns, and blisters

• Difficulty finding footwear (especially in larger deformities)

Treatment

• Footwear modification: Finding supportive footwear that are wide and deep enough to accommodate bunions

• Offloading of the painful joint with custom-made orthoses: to redistribute pressure

• Strapping

• Exercise therapy and myofascial release: to reduce tightness in the muscles of the foot which support the big toe joint

• Surgery