Bunions and Mobility: Practical Solutions for Foot Health

29 Sep Bunions and Mobility: Practical Solutions for Foot Health

Bunions and Mobility Practical Solutions for Foot Health

If you’ve noticed a bony bump on the side of your big toe joint, you might have a bunion. Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are one of the most common foot deformities we see. They can affect people of all ages, from children and athletes to the elderly. While bunions may cause discomfort and limit mobility, there are many ways to manage them, slow their progression, and improve comfort. Let’s dive into what bunions are, how they develop, and how you can look after your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony deformity that develops at the base of the big toe, where the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is located. This joint plays a vital role in your balance and mobility. When a bunion forms, the big toe starts to lean towards the other toes, creating a visible lump on the inside of the foot. The area around the lump may become swollen, red, and painful, particularly when wearing shoes that press against the joint.

Common Symptoms of Bunions:

• A swollen, bony bump on the inner side of the foot or big toe joint.

• Pain and swelling around the big toe joint, especially when wearing tight shoes.

• Hard, callused skin where the big toe overlaps the second toe.

• Soreness or discomfort over the bunion, particularly after standing or walking for long periods.
• Secondary symptoms in the foot, ankle or lower limb

Hallux Valgus: A Common Foot Deformity

Hallux valgus, the technical term for a bunion, is one of the most common foot deformities. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time if left untreated. Bunions can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and reduce quality of life. In severe cases, the deformity may lead to functional disability, making everyday activities more difficult.

What Causes Bunions?

While genetic predisposition is a significant factor in the development of bunions, it’s not the only cause. Here are some key contributing factors:

• Genetics: If bunions run in your family, your chances of developing them are higher.

• Footwear: While tight or ill-fitting shoes don’t cause bunions, they can exacerbate the condition, especially if you have underlying foot issues.

• Gender: Bunions are more common in females, but at The Foot Studio, we see many males with this condition as well.

• Muscle imbalances: Foot and lower limb injuries can lead to muscle imbalances, which may cause or worsen bunions.

Understanding these causes can help guide treatment and management strategies to slow the progression and improve foot health.

Getting Technical: The Pathophysiology of Bunions

For those who enjoy the technical details, the formation of a bunion involves a complex interaction between muscles, ligaments, and bones. Here’s a simplified version:

• The first metatarsal bone shifts medially (inward) while the big toe (hallux) moves laterally (outward), leading to the bunion’s characteristic bump.

• The muscles that normally stabilise the big toe joint, including the peroneus longus and abductor hallucis, become imbalanced.

• Ligaments that hold the big toe joint in place weaken, allowing the joint to become misaligned over time.

As this misalignment progresses, the condition worsens, causing increased pressure on the big toe joint and exacerbating pain and discomfort.

Can Bunions Be Reduced or Prevented?

While there isn’t much research to suggest that the size of a bunion can be significantly reduced once it has formed, there are many ways to slow its progression and improve comfort. In some cases, if the joint is swollen, treatments may help reduce swelling and ease pain.

At The Foot Studio, we focus on improving the function of the big toe joint, which is one of the most important joints in the body. When this joint moves well, it can positively affect the entire lower limb, improving overall mobility.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Bunions

Conservative, non-surgical approaches should always be the first step in managing bunions. There’s so many things we can do as Podiatrists to not only help make you more comfortable but make you thrive! A combination therapy is often best, here’s how we may treat bunions at The Foot Studio:

• Footwear modifications: Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can relieve pressure on the bunion. Custom orthotics can also help improve alignment and distribute pressure evenly.

• Taping techniques: A combination of rigid tape, rock tape, and felt can support the joint, improve comfort, and facilitate better function.

• Exercises: Moving, loading, and strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot can enhance stability and relieve pain.

• Laser therapy: High-power laser therapy can reduce nerve sensitivity and inflammation around the bunion.

• Mobilisation therapy: This involves gentle manipulation of the joint to restore movement and improve function.

• Orthoses: Custom-made orthoses can provide support, reduce strain on the joint, and improve overall foot alignment.

When to Consider Surgery

If non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to relieve pain or prevent the bunion from worsening, surgery may be an option. A referral to a specialist can help determine whether surgical intervention is necessary. Post-surgery rehabilitation is crucial to restoring function and mobility.

The Bottom Line

Bunions are common, but they don’t have to control your life. Although it’s unlikely that a bunion will shrink on its own, you can take steps to slow its progression, reduce pain, and improve foot function. At The Foot Studio, we’re dedicated to providing personalised care that keeps you on your feet, ensuring that your big toe joint—and the rest of your foot—functions at its best.

Let’s get your feet moving comfortably again!

Laura