Bunions
Bunions, the big bump on the inside of grandma's big toe joint that you used to stare at in amazement as a little kid. How did it not hurt you would ponder?
Unfortunately, bunions are increasingly common and no longer only to the detriment of grandmas and grandpas in their old age.
What is a bunion?
Whilst many people see the “lump” on the inside of the big toe joint, a bunion is actually the deviation of the 1st metatarsal (long bone in your foot) which THEN causes the big toe to deviate towards the little toes.
The lump which you see if the change in the alignment between these joints, is called the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint. Bunions are progressive, they develop and worsen with time. They are not always painful in the early stages but generally become painful as the joint becomes arthritic and stiff.
What causes bunions?
Bunions are typically caused by a combination of 4 factors..
Poor foot biomechanics - The way your feet move when you walk and run, how well you use the big toe joint, how much and how well your foot pronates (rolls in) and supinates (rolls out) when you walk amongst other things
Ligament laxity - How tight/loose the ligaments are that support your foot. Typically, people with increased ligament laxity (often called hypermobility) will have increased instability which can lead to bunion development.
Footwear - Modern footwear is tight and restrictive. Wearing poor footwear doesn't mean you will inevitably develop a bunion but it will certainly increase your risk of developing one.
Genetics - Thanks Grandma.
Are bunions a problem?
Bunions aren't always an issue but they can have several implications. These include..
Pain - When bunions develop the joint can develop osteoarthritis and this can lead to pain and inflammation when you try to bend the joint when walking. This often presents as pain in the joint during and after exercise or when in shoes.
Aesthetic - Due to the misalignment of the bones, a bunion can be unattractive in appearance. Footwear fitting issues - a bunion inevitably makes the foot wider, this can mean shoes that fit are harder to find and the ones that do can become painful from running
Calluses and corns - Can develop around the inside of the joint and under the ball of the foot.
Clawed toes - The bunion can push into the lesser toes and create clawed toes, hammertoes or retracted toes.
Secondary issues - The big toe joint is crucial to walk and run well. If it is not functioning well because of the bunion, secondary injuries are much more likely to occur. This can include heel pain, ball of foot pain, Achilles pain, and ankle and knee pain.
How are bunions treated?
The treatment of bunions is of particular interest to Jordan and Bill. Treatment is highly individualised but can include specific strengthening exercises, footwear advice, stretching, orthotic therapy, foot mobilisation therapy, padding and/or procedural podiatry.
We will not chastise you about your shoe choices! We know that individuals, many females in particular, may be required (or want to) to wear specific shoes. It is not necessary to stop wearing these shoes altogether but we can advise you how to wear them, when to wear them and what to do when you are wearing them to ensure you do not increase your risk of developing painful bunions.
Surgery is the last resort for bunion treatment. After all conservative efforts have been made. Where the bunion cannot be made comfortable in this way, it may be time to consider surgery. We will advise you of the best options and under care and guidance, you may be referred to a Foot and Ankle Surgeon that whom we work closely.
Our highly qualified and award-winning podiatrists are experts in biomechanics and its our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to each individual. We are dedicated to providing entirely tailor-made diagnosis and treatment services that get results fast. Book a consultation with our Podiatrists to discuss your condition and we will get you back pain-free, doing the things you love as quickly as possible.