18 Jul Understanding Bunions: Causes, Treatment and Prevention
If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming at the base of your big toe, chances are you’re looking at a bunion. Although quite common, bunions are a foot deformity that can cause persistent pain and swelling – not to mention how difficult it makes finding comfy shoes and being able to wear shoes. The good news? With the right care, bunions can be managed effectively. Here’s what our podiatrists at footinjuryclinic have to say about bunions.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion – or hallux valgus – is a progressive deformity of the foot where the big toe gradually moves towards the second toe. This causes the joint at the base of the big toe to stick outwards, forming a visible bump. While bunions might start as a mild cosmetic concern, they often become painful over time and can affect your ability to walk or wear shoes comfortably.
Common symptoms include:
- A visible bump at the side of the big toe
- Redness, swelling or soreness around the joint
- Pain that comes and goes
- Restricted movement of the toe
- Calluses or corns from overlapping toes
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions can develop for a variety of reasons. Genetics play a major role – if bunions run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them. They’re also more common in women than men, largely due to footwear choices (think pointy high heels) and ligament flexibility. Other contributing factors include:
- Wearing narrow shoes that crowd the toes
- Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
- Joint hypermobility
- Arthritis
- Previous foot injuries
Bunion Treatment Options
Your bunion treatment depends on the severity of the bunion and the level of discomfort it causes you. In most cases, surgery isn’t the first step. Non-surgical treatments are usually recommended first, such as:
- Wearing proper footwear: Switching to shoes with a wide toe box, soft uppers, and good arch support can help relieve pressure and reduce bunion pain.
Using bunion pads or toe spacers: These can cushion the area and improve toe alignment. - Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatories: To reduce swelling and pain.
- Custom orthotics: Prescription shoe inserts can improve foot mechanics and slow the progression of bunions. We make custom orthotics in our in-house lab to alleviate the pain that bunions cause.
- Physical therapy and exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the foot can improve joint function and reduce stress on the big toe.
- In more advanced or painful cases, bunion surgery (called a bunionectomy) may be required to realign the toe and remove the bony protrusion.
Foot Strengthening Exercises for Bunion Relief
Regular foot exercises can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, which may reduce bunion pain and prevent further progression. Try these:
- Toe stretches: Gently pull your big toe into alignment and hold for 10 seconds.
- Towel scrunches: Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you.
- Marble pickups: Pick up small objects (like marbles or pebbles) with your toes and place them in a bowl.
- Toe spread and squeeze: Spread your toes apart and hold, then squeeze them together. Repeat 10 times.
Choosing the Right Footwear
One of the most important ways to prevent bunions – or stop them from worsening – is to wear the right shoes. Avoid pointed shoes, narrow toe boxes, and high heels as they can aggravate or accelerate bunion development. Look for:
- A wide toe box that allows your toes to lie flat
- Low heels (preferably under 2.5cm)
- Soft, stretchable uppers on shoes that don’t rub the bunion
- Supportive soles with good arch support
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the feet
- Avoid activities that put repetitive stress on the toes
- Take regular breaks if you’re standing or walking for long periods
How footinjuryclinic Can Help
At footinjuryclinic, our team of expert podiatrists understand how bunions can affect your comfort, mobility, and confidence. We take a comprehensive approach to treatment, starting with a thorough assessment, followed by a personalised care plan that may include custom orthotics, footwear advice, strengthening exercises, and when necessary, referral for surgical correction.
As mentioned, we can craft custom orthotics right here in our laboratory so that they suit your particular foot. These orthotics will redistribute pressure across your foot, which may reduce bunion pain and slow their progression.
While bunions are common, they don’t have to control your life. If you’ve noticed a bump near your big toe or are struggling with foot pain, don’t wait. Book an appointment with footinjuryclinic and take the first step towards healthier feet.