Bunions refer to the deviation of the big toe towards the middle of the foot and the lump that results on the inside of the foot.
Bunions are a progressive condition, meaning they develop slowly over time. Most people will have minimal symptoms during the early stages but this often changes as the deviation progresses. As the bone alignment changes, the joint can become damaged and this can cause arthritis in the joints.
Causes and treatment of foot bunions.
Typically, bunions are caused by 3 things:
- Poor foot structure/mechanics
- Shoes
- Genetics
A bunion can have several implications:
- Aesthetics: Due to the misalignment of the bones, a bunion can have an unattractive appearance
- Footwear Fitting: It can be difficult to fit the bunion into shoes
- Pain & Inflammation: Because of shoes being tight or ill-fitting, this can cause pressure on the outside of the joint. Pain can also come from degeneration within the joint or due to the movement of bones around the joint.
- Referred Deformity: The bunion can cause other toes to lift or “claw” resulting in “claw toes”, “hammer toes” or “retracted toes”. It can also damage the ligaments supporting these joints.
- Callouses: Around the big toe joint and the ball of the foot
Bunion treatment
The treatment of bunions is a specialty at Performance Podiatry Treatment is individually tailored to the patient but can include advice on muscle strengthening, footwear, stretching, foot mobilisation therapy, padding to redistribute weight, and orthotics to change the forces that go through your bunion.
Female patients need not fear as we will not chastise you for your shoe choices!
Education on foot care is provided so you can make an informed decision. We know that it is not always possible, especially in a corporate environment, to adhere to gold standard shoe decisions. We will do our best to fit in with your needs. We even have orthotics that are slim enough to wear in ballet flats and high heels.
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.
Make a podiatrist appointment for bunion treatment.
Our highly qualified and experienced podiatrists are experts in biomechanics and it’s our philosophy that the finest foot care requires an entirely bespoke experience. That’s why we are dedicated to providing entirely tailor-made diagnosis and treatment services that are the best in Australia.
Our dynamic practice has a holistic approach to resolving foot complaints.
From assessment and diagnosis to extraordinary treatment, every step of your journey with us will deliver you the ultimate podiatric experience, resulting in healthier and happier feet.
Have your walking and running assessed on our state-of-the-art Zebris pressure and force analysis treadmill. Using this, your podiatrist will capture and relay information about the way that you walk and run in a matter of minutes, giving us invaluable information to help get you better faster.
Book a consultation with our podiatrists in Sydney (Macquarie St), Darlinghurst and Randwick to discuss your condition and we’ll get you pain-free and back to full function as smoothly and quickly as possible, so you can return to the activities and life you love.
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The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.