How to treat a bunion?

As described in a previous article: Hallux abducto-valgus (HAV), commonly referred to as a bunion, is an articular deformation stemming from the deviation of the big toe and resulting in a bump on the inner side of the foot. It is a rather frequent and at times painful pathology, seen predominantly in women. Bunions develop generally during adulthood and tend to become more symptomatic past age 65. Causal factors include wearing tight shoes and high heels. However, genetics, foot morphology, neuromuscular and rheumatic disorders can be contributing factors as well.

As time passes, if the bunion progresses, it may create malalignment with walking or while practicing your favorite physical activities, which may have repercussions on other parts of the body such as the knees and hips. This may jeopardize one’s ability to stay active in elder years in order to avoid falls and other ailments due to sedentary. Thankfully, there exists a protocol to slow down the process and bring your toe to a more natural position.

Treating a hallux valgus

The non-invasive treatment proposed by your sports podiatrist aims at principally neutralizing the mechanical causes that have contributed to the deformity. While it may be visible to the naked eye and its diagnosis evident; radiographs are pertinent to assess the severity of the problem. The results will help to better align the treatment protocol to your individual needs.

The protocol consists of a combination of manipulations, mobilizations, and targeted stretches and exercises to increase mobility in the posterior muscle chain and strengthen the intrinsic musculature of the foot, respectively.

Example of exercises:

• Calf stretches
• Massaging between the first and second metatarsals
• Mobilising the big toe
• flexion and extension of the foot
• Toe rotation
• Strengthening of the abductor muscle of the big toe
• Concsoius weight-bearing exercises.

Ideally, one ought to integrate these exercises into your daily routine in to reeducate the muscles of the foot. Note that these techniques may not be suitable for all patients. Certain contraindications are to be ruled out before going forward.

• Infection
• Bone disease
• Fusion
• Ligament rupture
• Hypermobility or ligament laxity
• Rheumatoid arthritis

How to prevent and reduce bunion pain :

• Wear comfortable shoes, not too tight, and with proper soles
• Reduce inflammation
• Identify the source of the problem

Management of the condition also includes therapeutic bandages and plantar orthotics if needed. Surgery is considered if the quality of life is greatly affected. Furthermore, the rate of complications of surgical procedures is non-negligible and varies from one person to the next therefore ought to be considered after having exhausted conservative care.

Without treatment, it is safe to admit that the bunion will progress, the foot will be malaligned thus allowing the development of corns and calluses and setting the stage for hammer toes and osteoarthritis.

Do not delay in consulting and following advice from your podiatrist before the bunions become painful.

You can watch our video to learn on how to slow down a bunion!