19 May Early Intervention and Treatment for Bunions
A bunion may seem like a minor foot issue at first – it’s just a bump on the side of your big toe – or so you think. Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are a progressive deformity that can become worse and worse leading to significant pain, restricted movement, and long-term foot complications if left untreated. The good news? Early intervention, including the use of custom orthotics, can slow down its progression, reduce pain, and may even prevent the need for surgery.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion occurs when the big toe, called the hallux, begins to shift towards the second toe, causing a visible bump on the side of the foot. This bump is a result of changes to the bone alignment at the big toe joint. Over time, this misalignment can worsen, affecting neighbouring toes, causing them to ride over or under or form hammer toes, leading to pain in your feet.
In its early stage, bunions may not be painful, but the condition typically progresses over time and you might start to notice some of these symptoms:
- A visible change in the shape of the big toe
- Redness and swelling
- Aching pain in the joint, worsened by tight shoes
- Joint stiffness or arthritis
- Pain beneath the second toe
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Why Do Bunions Develop?
Contrary to popular belief, bunions are not genetically inherited, nor are they solely caused by ill-fitting shoes. Rather, it’s your foot type that matters whether or not you develop bunions. If you have flat feet, joint hypermobility, or a short first metatarsal, you are more predisposed to developing bunions.
Other contributing factors include:
- Wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes
- Foot injuries
- Certain sports or activities (e.g. ballet, running)
- Underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
When there’s repeated pressure on the big toe joint, it slowly shifts out of alignment; without medical intervention, the deformity can become more pronounced and painful.
Early Podiatry Intervention
The earlier you seek help from our podiatrists, the better your chances of managing a bunion without the need for surgery. At footinjuryclinic, our team of experienced podiatrists takes a proactive approach to bunion care. We assess the root biomechanical causes of your bunion and tailor a treatment plan to suit your specific foot structure and lifestyle.
Early bunion treatment may include:
- Footwear advice: Switching to shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel can significantly reduce pressure on the bunion.
- Toe mobilisation and stretching: Gentle exercises can help maintain joint flexibility and comfort.
- Bunion splints or toe separators: These can help maintain toe alignment, especially when worn overnight.
- Strengthening exercises: To improve the intrinsic muscles of the foot and support joint stability.
How Custom Orthotics Can Help
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for bunions is the use of custom foot orthoses or orthotics. These specially designed inserts that we manufacture in-house in our laboratory can help correct biomechanical imbalances in your feet, reducing the excessive pressure on the big toe joint that contributes to bunion formation and pain.
Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are prescribed by our podiatrists based on a detailed assessment of your gait, foot posture, and movement patterns. They’re designed to:
- Redistribute pressure away from the big toe joint
- Improve overall foot function
- Alleviate pain during walking and standing
In many cases, custom orthotics can delay or eliminate the need for surgery, especially when used in conjunction with footwear modifications and strength training. If conservative treatment fails to provide relief, or if the bunion becomes severely painful, surgical correction may be recommended.
Seek Early Treatment for Bunions
Bunions are a progressive condition, meaning they will typically worsen without intervention. Left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, limited mobility, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably.
At footinjuryclinic, we’re passionate about helping patients manage bunions through early, evidence-based care. If you’ve noticed a developing bump on your toe or are experiencing foot pain, don’t wait until it’s too late. Book a consultation with one of our podiatrists and take the first step towards healthier, pain-free feet.