Bunions
Bunions or Hallux Valgus is one of the most common foot deformities we see in the clinic. A Bunion is essentially a bump on the side of the foot caused by the bone framework in the large toe joint. Women are more susceptible to a Hallux Valgus deformity with most having a genetic predisposition with family history of the same condition.
Risk factors can be internal such as a hypermobile foot, Rheumatoid arthritis and a flat foot, along with external factors such as narrow footwear.
Treatments
Each case of Bunions is very individual and so are the possible treatments. The treatments depend on the severity of the deformity and the outcome expected by the patient. Bunions are a progressive deformity so the earlier intervention is acquired the better the outcomes.
Treatment/s can consist of footwear changes, spacers, Foot Mobilisation, strength and stretching exercises and splints. The aim is to reduce pain and increase functional mobility without surgery intervention.