Big Toe Pain | Bump at side of toe | Bunions | The Rehab Centre
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Bunions

(Hallux Abducto Valgus)

What is a Bunion?

A Bunion, also known as “Hallux Abducto Valgus” is often described as a bump or lump at the side of the big toe. Even though it may seem like an extra growth of the bone, it is actually caused by your big toe slanting towards your second toe. This results in your big toe being misaligned instead of pointing forward, resulting in that visible “bump”.

Although Bunions are common, there are many misconceptions about this condition which lead to people suffering from unnecessary pain before they seek treatment. As Bunions are a progressive deformity, intervention is crucial at an early stage. Neglecting this condition often results in increasing pain to the joint, limits footwear options, and causes additional problems to your feet that could have been prevented.

There are many factors that could cause a Bunion to form. They include – but are not limited to:

  • Family history
  • Flat foot deformity
  • Lower limb structural abnormalities
  • Arthritis
  • Generalised hypermobility
  • Trauma and repeated stress
  • Inappropriate footwear
Bunion of the foot

What are bunions? Why they ever go away? How will bunions affect me? Here is a short video about bunions that will give you an insight about this common foot condition.

I need help with my bunion!

How will bunions affect the way I walk? My buinons do not hurt. Do I still seek treatment? How can a Podiatrist help with my bunions?

I need help with my bunion!

What will I experience?

If you have a bunion, you may experience:

  • Pain in and around the big toe joint area
  • Pain worsened with activity or tight enclosed footwear
  • Swelling or redness around the big toe joint
  • Pain at the ball of your foot
  • Difficulty to move the big toe, or stiffness of the big toe joint

How can we help you?

Our Podiatrist can offer a range of non-surgical personalised treatment for your Bunions and provide the best care you deserve. These include:

  • A full and thorough biomechanical assessment of your gait and posture, to determine the root cause of your Bunion development.
  • Customised Clinical Orthotic Devices: These devices are specially prescribed specific to your foot function. They can help to stabilise and improve posture of your big toe joint, control your foot function, and reduce further long-term damage and stress to your joint.
  • Treatment of skin and nail issues that are associated with the Bunion.
  • Specific customised footwear evaluation and recommendation

It is important to note that Bunions are progressive in nature – they do not go away with time, and may even worsen. Conservative treatment helps to alleviate pain and delay progression. It does not reverse the condition. Therefore, it is important to treat Bunions early.

For severe cases, surgery may be recommended. While aesthetically it removes the Bunion, relapse may happen if underlying causes of the Bunion are not appropriately addressed.
Speak to us and let us help you with the best care you deserve.

I need help with my bunion!

FAQ

Should Bunions be removed?
We specialise in conservative non-surgical management of Bunions. This means, our goal is to help you get pain free and maintain joint function without the need for surgery. However, in severe cases where pain is persistent despite best efforts at conservative management, you may be referred to an Orthopaedic surgeon.
Will my Bunions go away one day?
Bunions are progressive in nature. Without active intervention, they do not disappear, or straighten. In fact, if we do not address them, there is a possibility of it worsening over time.
My Bunion is not painful. Do I need to see a Podiatrist?
While we are really happy that you are pain free, leaving a Bunion alone allows it to worsen over time. As a progressive deformity, Bunions go through stages. At its latest stage, surgery could be the only possible option. Let our Podiatrist assess your condition to advise you on what your next step should be.
I have Bunions. Will my children have it?
Bunions have a strong hereditary link. Hence, they are often seen in multiple members of the same family. If you are concerned, do allow us to assess and help you or your family members. Early intervention is important to achieve better outcomes and prevent problems in the future.
Should Bunions hurt?
This is not necessarily the case. Every individual is different and pain is often our cue to action. However in some individuals with Bunions, pain may only set in at a late stage, where the condition does not respond to conservative management. It is recommended to seek early treatment for optimal outcomes.
Can Bunions cause pain in other parts of the lower limb?
In cases of a painful Bunion, it directly affects the way that we walk and could result in uneven pressures and strains on our foot and lower limb. Having said that, certain foot postures predispose us to development of bunions and other painful foot conditions. Our Podiatrist will be able to help you identify the root cause of your pain, and work with you on your path to recovery.
Will Custom Orthotics help Bunions?
Bunions do not disappear on their own. But by taking early action when you first notice a Bunion, you can prevent progression of its development. Custom orthotics are an excellent non-invasive treatment by making it possible to reduce pain, restore foot function, and prevent surgery. These are individually tailored medical devices to improve balance and function of your lower limb. Because custom made orthotics keep your feet in alignment, it helps prevent further structural damage and provides relief from bunion pain. Your exact foot cast is taken so that the orthotic supports your foot at exactly the right places.
I have had a bunion surgery. Must I still wear insoles?
Oftentimes the development of the bunion is preceded by certain biomechanical risk factors, such as your foot posture. While it is great news that aesthetically and functionally, your surgery improved your quality of life, it is also worth consulting a Podiatrist for a full assessment to determine if any intervention is needed to prevent a recurrence of the bunion.
How can I get my Custom Orthotics?
If you suspect you have a bunion, or are developing one, do not hesitate to consult our Podiatrist. Besides a full evaluation of your bunion, your Podiatrist will also look for underlying issues with your foot structure and function. You may contact our clinic at The Rehab Centre by calling 69807720 or book an appointment online.