What are bunions?
Bunions, also known as Hallux Valgus, are a foot condition where the big toe tilts toward the smaller toes, usually by more than 15 degrees. Around 23% of adults aged between 18 and 65 are affected, and the risk increases with age. Women are more likely to develop bunions than men. In older adults, the severity of bunions is often related to osteoarthritic changes.
What impact do bunions have?
Foot function may be impacted, leading to pain, reduced muscle size and strength, balance issues, and a higher risk of falls.
Why do people get bunions?
The exact causes of bunions are not fully understood. Reported risk factors include a family history of bunions, female gender, wearing narrow footwear, and anatomical variations of the big toe.
Research suggests that bunions are uncommon in cultures where people regularly walk barefoot, as their feet are not restricted by tight shoes.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy treatment is generally recommended before considering surgery. While improvements to the bunion’s angle may not be possible, high-quality studies show that pain, mobility, foot strength, and overall function can be improved. These treatment options may include:
- Footwear changes
- Splinting
- Toe separators
- Foot and ankle stretching
- Foot and ankle strengthening
- Balance training
We often see runners and other active individuals who struggle with bunion related pain. Through a tailored physiotherapy program incorporating strength training, mobility exercises and footwear advice, we can improve foot strength and function, helping them return to running and their favourite activities without pain.
If you’re struggling with bunion pain and live nearby, our physio services in Richmond can help you stay active.
Designing a management plan
A physiotherapy assessment is recommended to design an appropriate management plan based on the options above. It typically includes assessment of range of motion, foot and ankle strength, balance, and footwear. Following a comprehensive assessment, a tailored program is developed to address specific impairments and goals. To get started, please get in touch or book an initial assessment.
References
Nix, S., Smith, M., & Vicenzino, B. (2010). Prevalence of hallux valgus in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of foot and ankle research, 3, 1-9
Hurn, S. E., Matthews, B. G., Munteanu, S. E., & Menz, H. B. (2022). Effectiveness of nonsurgical interventions for hallux valgus: A systematic review and meta?analysis. Arthritis care & research, 74(10), 1676-1688.
Abdalbary, S. A. (2018). Foot mobilization and exercise program combined with toe separator improves outcomes in women with moderate hallux valgus at 1-year follow-up: a randomized clinical trial.Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 108(6), 478-486.
Plaass, C., Karch, A., Koch, A., Wiederhoeft, V., Ettinger, S., Claassen, L., … & Stukenborg-Colsman, C. (2020). Short term results of dynamic splinting for hallux valgus—A prospective randomized study.Foot and Ankle Surgery, 26(2), 146-150.
Moulodi, N., Azadinia, F., Ebrahimi-Takamjani, I., Atlasi, R., Jalali, M., & Kamali, M. (2020). The functional capacity and morphological characteristics of the intrinsic foot muscles in subjects with Hallux Valgus deformity: A systematic review.The Foot, 45, 101706.
