Are you covering up your Bunions?
What is the real cause of your Bunion: More than just shoes!
Bunions, medically referred to as hallux valgus (HAV), are a common foot deformity characterised by a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe. This condition often results from structural imbalances in the foot, leading to discomfort and challenges in daily activities. At BxClinic, we emphasise the significance of orthotic insoles in both alleviating bunion pain and addressing the underlying causes to prevent progression.
Understanding the Root Cause of Bunions
Recent studies have highlighted that the primary underlying cause of your bunion is often linked to deformities at the metatarsocuneiform joint. This joint is located in the middle of your foot around the peak height of your arch. This insight underscores the importance of interventions targeting this specific area to correct the deformity effectively. Your footwear is unlikely to have been the cause of your bunion. However, the wrong footwear can speed up the progression of your bunion or help make it bigger than it needed to be!
The Role of Orthotic Insoles in Bunion Management
Orthotic insoles play a pivotal role in managing bunions by:
Providing Support and Alignment: Custom orthotics are designed to offer support and improve foot mechanics, which may help stabilise the bunion and prevent it from worsening.
Distributing Pressure Evenly: By redistributing weight across the foot, orthotics can alleviate excessive pressure on the bunion, reducing pain and discomfort.
Slowing Bunion Progression: Properly prescribed orthotics can significantly slow the progression of bunions and restore a substantial measure of healthy motion to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint during activities like walking or running.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Orthotics
While over-the-counter shoe inserts can provide temporary relief, they may not adequately address the specific needs of your individual bunion or the lifestyle you want to live with a bunion. Custom orthotics, tailored to an individual's unique foot structure, offer targeted support, leading to more effective pain relief and functional improvement.
Integrating Orthotics into a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
At BxClinic, we advocate for a holistic approach to bunion management, which include in addition to orthotic insoles:
Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and adequate support to accommodate the bunion and reduce irritation.
Physical Therapy: Engaging in exercises that strengthen foot muscles and enhance joint flexibility.
Lifestyle / Activity: Making sure the treatment gives you back your quality of life and the rigours you put your feet through won’t speed up the progression of your bunion.
By incorporating orthotic insoles into this multifaceted approach, patients can experience significant relief from bunion-related discomfort and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Orthotic insoles are a cornerstone in the conservative management of bunions. They not only provide symptomatic relief but also address the structural issues contributing to the deformity. At BxClinic, we are committed to offering personalised orthotic solutions as part of our comprehensive care for individuals dealing with bunions.
Head to our detailed page on bunions for more information. If you are concerned about a bunion, want to avoid getting one or have noticed your’s getting worse book an appointment or give us a call on 01603 327999 to discuss your needs and how we can help.
Reference article
https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/examining-root-cause-hallux-valgus