Understanding Bunions

Bunions

Overview

Bunions, also known as Hallux Valgus, is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the forefoot. It occurs when the toe and long bones in the front part of your foot deviate and move out of place. This leads to the big toe being pushed towards the smaller toes and the big toe joint to stick out. While a bunion deformity can simply be an unsightly change in shape to the main joint of the big toe, it is really an entire forefoot, progressive, shape change. The affected toe joint may also develop osteoarthritis, reduced range of motion, pain on movement of the joint or from corns and/or calluses formation.

Podiatrists are uniquely placed to advise on this condition and strategies that can minimise bunion formation and progression, manage pain and function. No two people are ever quite the same, hence we will thoroughly assess and advise in each case. Early intervention with education, shoe selection and foot orthotics can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your overall foot health.

How podiatrists can help:

• Footwear selection - Our podiatrists will recommend which model to best suit your use after the through history taking and biomechanical assessment.

• Foot orthotics - Foot orthotics support your foot mechanics and help distribute pressure away from the bunion. This helps reduce your symptoms and prevents your bunion deviation from progressing worse. We can prescribe precision-made customised foot orthotics to suit your individual biomechanical needs.

• Debridement of calluses and corns - We can debride and remove your calluses and corns in a pain-free, non-invasive way to reduce your pain and discomfort.

• Strengthening of lower limb muscles - Our body is amazingly connected in a whole chain of movement. Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in your core, hips and gluteal region can help reduce the pressure on your feet to alleviate pain and prevent the bunion from worsening long term.

  -Zhi Peng, Podiatrist