Bunions

A Bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe may turn toward the second toe. The tissues around the joint may be swollen and tender.

Characteristics/ Clinical Presentations

• formation of a bump on the outer edge of the toe that is covered by a hard, calloused skin;
• the bony bump may be red or may have a normal skin colour
• the affected toe is turned in on the other toes
• the bony prominence may also occasionally lead to a cystic fluid-filled swelling which is extremely painful and discomforting
• Involvement of surrounding nerves can cause numbness or a tingling sensation in the toes.

Risk factors for the development of Bunions

• Genetics and formation of the feet; the way your foot is shaped puts too much pressure on your big toe joint because bunions can run in families as well.
• Your foot rolls inward too much when you walk. A moderate amount of inward roll, or pronation, is normal. But damage and injury can happen with too much pronation.
• Wearing inappropriate shoes such as a tight shoe or high heels can aggravate the condition
• persistent inflammation of soft tissues, bones and joints
• flat feet
• Medical conditions such as arthritis which affect an individual’s gait.

Physiotherapy Management

In the York-med Physiotherapy, our registered physiotherapist, Chiropodist, use a variety of techniques to treat bunions, such as:

• Joint mobilization
• Customs orthotics prescribed by physiotherapist and chiropodist.
• Taping and splinting
• Ultrasound