ABOUT BUNIONS
What is a Bunion?
Hallux abductovalgus valgus (HAV) is a common deformity characterised by the progressive deviation of the big toe at the joint. Over years, the big toe starts to progressively shift towards the smaller toes. A prominence occurs on the inside of the big toe joint. Patients commonly describe a painful soft-tissue prominence, the bunion. Over this period, the big toe starts to move towards the lesser toes, creating a wider foot requiring greater depth – making it harder to fit into shoes and the feet looking less attractive. Lastly with the change in alignment, mild to severe arthritis may develop causing more big toe joint pain.
BUNION SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of a Bunion
Recognising the symptoms of a bunion is the first step toward seeking appropriate care. Various symptoms can manifest, with big toe pain often being a primary complaint. Common symptoms of a bunion can include:
Big Toe Pain
Dealing with bunions often leads to big toe pain Adelaide residents find particularly bothersome. This discomfort can range from a mild annoyance to significant, debilitating ache. This foot pain is often exacerbated when wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes causing shoe pressure, and it may be accompanied by swelling and redness around the affected joint. Gout, a type of arthritis, is also known for causing sharp pain, swelling, and redness in the big toe joint.
Visible Bump
A more noticeable sign of a bunion is the visible bump that appears on the side of your foot, at the base of the big toe. This protrusion is more than just an aesthetic concern; it’s an indication of underlying joint misalignment.
Restricted Toe Movement
As a bunion progresses, you may notice reduced mobility in your big toe. This limitation can particularly affect your gait, specifically when you’re pushing off the ground while walking. It can make everyday activities more challenging and may start to influence your choice of footwear.
Corns and Calluses
Due to changes in the foot shape and mechanics, corns or calluses may develop. These thickened areas of skin can be uncomfortable or painful, particularly when pressure is applied, such as when standing or walking for extended periods.
General Foot Soreness
Apart from localised big toe symptoms, a bunion can cause general foot soreness. This discomfort may intensify after long periods on your feet and could impact your overall quality of life.
If you experience big toe pain or any of the above symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a qualified podiatrist for a comprehensive assessment and a tailored treatment strategy. Early intervention can help manage symptoms more effectively.
DEALING WITH BUNIONS
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bunions
Many people choose to ignore the bunion, they may look unattractive, but hide them in their shoes out of sight. Sometimes the bunion maybe painless or only a little bit painful. We’ve seen tougher people will put up with significant pain and ignore how that big toe now sits underneath the second or third toe. In the short term, this is what you can do. However, the bunion will slowly progress through the stages. Long term, it will make it harder to resolve conservatively and require surgery.
Many people believe that surgery is the only way to treat bunions. Recently, it has come in leaps and bounds, with a few surgeons in Adelaide able to perform keyhole bunion surgery. Surgery is the only way to remove the bony lump. Pain reduction and even realignment can occur from conservative means, but the bony lump can only been reduced with the bone being shaved surgically. Unfortunately, bunion surgery is still an invasive procedure. It still means pain and limited mobility in the months following surgery. There are some surgical cases which are worse and are irreversible. We can refer you to a surgeon who we feel will work best with you and get you the outcome you want.
There are several non-surgical bunion correction techniques that can be used to treat bunions. At the Adelaide Bunion Clinic we utilise techniques such as exercises, dry needling, foot mobilisation, high level cold laser and orthotic therapy. With these techniques, we aim to address the last two causes mentioned above to treat the bunion, namely the foot flattering out and jamming up the big toe joint and the foot and leg rolling in. The majority of cases have a reduction of pain and avoid surgery. If a patient diligently adheres to the treatment plan, the big toe may have a better alignment. The one thing conservative can not remove is the bony lump. This will require surgery. So if your priority is pain relief and avoiding surgery, this the recommended option.
What Causes a Bunion?
Stages of a Bunion
Treating a Bunion
Ignore
‘A lot of people choose to ignore their bunion, covering it up with shoes despite its appearance. Sometimes, the bunion might be painless or only slightly painful, which can lead some individuals to tolerate significant big toe discomfort. They might also ignore how the big toe begins to shift under the second toe or third toe. While this might seem manageable in the short term, the bunion will inevitably progress, and long-term, it becomes more difficult to treat conservatively, often requiring surgery.’
Surgical
‘Although many people believe surgery is the only option for bunions, recent keyhole surgery advancements in Adelaide offer a less invasive approach. While surgery is the only way to remove the bony lump, pain reduction and realignment can often be achieved with conservative methods. However, surgery remains invasive, with recovery time and potential risks. We’re happy to refer you to a surgeon who we feel will provide the best approach for your situation.’
Conservative Treatment
‘There are multiple non-surgical treatments for bunions that we utilise at the Adelaide Bunion Clinic, such as exercises, dry needling, foot mobilisation, cold laser therapy, and orthotics. These treatments address the foot flattening and misalignment of the big toe joint. Most patients experience a reduction in pain and are able to avoid surgery. If you follow the treatment plan, you may notice your big toe straightening. However, the bony lump can only be surgically removed. If pain relief and avoiding surgery are your priorities, this is the recommended treatment.’
