Bunions Be Gone: A Guide to Happy Feet

By: Kelsie Mazur, DPT

Bunions, those pesky bumps at the base of the big toe, can cause discomfort, pain, and even difficulty with walking. Bunions are the most common foot deformity that people deal with — particularly women — and can lead to pain, disability, and a rapid reduction in quality of life.

Did you know that over 20% adults under 65 yrs suffer from bunions? Additionally, over 30% of adults older than 65 yrs suffer from bunions. If you are looking for relief, physical therapy for bunions is a great option. Join us as we explore how physical therapy can help you put your best foot forward in the journey towards bunion management and foot health.

Understanding Bunions : Before delving into how physical therapy can assist in managing bunions, let's first understand what they are. Also known by the medical name Hallux Abductovalgus, a bunion occurs when your big toe points toward your second toe, causing a bump or prominence to develop on the inside edge of your big toe and first metatarsal bone, often resulting from the misalignment of bones and tissues. This misalignment can lead to pain, inflammation, and difficulty wearing certain shoes.

3 MAIN REASONS BUNIONS FORM:

Improper Footwear: YOUR SHOES DON’T FIT PROPERLY

Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have a pointed toe box can force the toes into unnatural positions and increase pressure on the big toe joint. High heels, in particular, can exacerbate bunions by pushing the toes forward and compressing the forefoot.

Foot Mechanics: YOUR FOOT MUSCLES ARE WEAK

Abnormal foot mechanics, such as over-pronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or excessive supination (outward rolling of the foot), can contribute to the development of bunions. These biomechanical imbalances can place undue stress on the big toe joint, leading to misalignment and bunion formation.

Lack of ankle ROM: YOUR ANKLES ARE STIFF

Likely caused by Previous foot injuries, fractures, or trauma to the toe or foot can increase the risk of developing bunions. Damage to the structures supporting the big toe joint may disrupt normal alignment and contribute to bunion formation over time.

Bunion Busters: Steps to Alleviate your Bunion Pain and Restore Function

● Physical Therapy Bunion Specific Exercises

● Silicone Toe Spreaders

● Well fitting socks

● Wide toe box shoes