Bunions are a common foot condition that affect millions of people worldwide. They develop when the big toe deviates toward the smaller toes, causing a bony bump to form on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe joint. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Fortunately, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and preventing the progression of bunions.
What Causes Bunions?
Several factors can contribute to the development of bunions, including:
- Genetics: A family history of bunions increases the likelihood of developing them.
- Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes will exacerbate bunion formation.
- Previous injuries: Acute injuries to the big toe, foot, ankle, hips or knees can increase the likelihood of developing a bunion.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy provides a non-invasive approach that can help alleviate bunion pain and improve foot function. Your physiotherapist will be able to assess the bunion, foot and whole lower limb to understand the root courses of the bunion; prescribe exercise and perform manual therapy. Some of the key exercises a physiotherapist will prescribe include:
1. Strengthening Exercises
Physiotherapists can recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle, which can help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on the bunion. Examples include:
- Resistance band exercises
- Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening
- Arch strengthening exercises
- Toe dexterity exercises
2. Joint Mobilisation
Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilisation, can help improve movement in the big toe joint and reduce stiffness. At home this can include:
- Self joint mobilisations
- Self soft tissue release work
3. Balance and Gait Training
Improving balance and walking patterns can help distribute weight more evenly across the foot, minimising pressure on the bunion and improving strength and mobility of the foot.
Ways to Reduce Bunion Pain
In addition to physiotherapy, there are several strategies to help manage bunion pain and improve foot biomechanics.
Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess weight can decrease pressure on the feet.
Wearing appropriate footwear: Choosing shoes with a wide toe box can reduce pressure on the bunion. Shoes that fasten around the ankle can also reduce excess use of the toes.
Try metatarsal domes: These can provide extra cushioning and help realign the toe and distribute weight throughout the foot.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If bunion pain persists despite conservative treatments, or if the deformity becomes severe, consulting a podiatrist or orthopaedic specialist may be necessary. In some cases, surgery may be required to realign the toe and relieve pain.
Conclusion
Bunions can be painful and impact daily activities, but with proper management, including physiotherapy, supportive footwear, and pain relief strategies, symptoms can be minimised. Early intervention is key to preventing the progression of bunions and maintaining foot health.
