Hallux Abducto Valgus (Bunion)
What is it?
- A bunion is often thought of as being a bump on the side of the big toe, however it is more complex than that.
- A bunion is actually a change in the bone structure of the front of the foot.
- When you have a bunion, the big toe leans towards the second toe, instead of pointing straight ahead.
- This throws all the bones out of alignment, and therefore producing the bunion’s “bump”.
- Over time the bunion can become bigger and more painful.
What causes it?
- Most often a bunion is the result of faulty mechanics of the foot
- Bunions can also run in families, however it is the foot type that is inherited and not the bunion.
- Bunions are also associated with various forms of arthritis
- Symptoms often occur when wearing shoes that crowd the toes, such as high heels. This is one of
- the main reasons why bunions are more prevalent in women.
Symptoms;
- Symptoms that may arise include;
- Pain or soreness
- Inflammation and Redness
- A burning sensation
- On occasion numbness
- Calluses may also build up on the big toe. Ingrown toenails and having a restricted range of motion of the big toe are also possible as a result of a bunion.
What can Barefeet Podiatry do to help?
The only way to get rid of a bunion completely is surgery, BUT there are ways to slow progression of the bunion and relieve symptoms.
Conservative treatment options include:
- Orthotics– The Podiatrist’s at Barefeet Podiatry prescribe custom made orthotics to align the foot in its correct foot posture. This reduce’s the excessive force being placed on the big toe joint and as a result decreases the progression of the bunion.
- Footwear Advice – Footwear needs to be deep and wide enough to accommodate the deformity. Wearing narrow, ill-fitting footwear can exacerbate the bunion and cause it to progress.
- Toe Separators- These help align the toes by preventing the deviation of the big toe and prevents overlapping of the toes.