What is a bunion?
A bunion is characterised by a bony bump at the base of the big toe. This condition can be mild or more severe. Corns or calluses can develop when the big toe pushes against or crosses over the second toe.
Bunions can cause pain, usually at the base of the big toe or in the ball of the foot. There can also be swelling and inflammation around the affected joint. Bunions can make it difficult to find comfortable shoes.
A bunion is characterised by a bony bump at the base of the big toe. This condition can be mild or more severe. Corns or calluses can develop when the big toe pushes against or crosses over the second toe.
Bunions can cause pain, usually at the base of the big toe or in the ball of the foot. There can also be swelling and inflammation around the affected joint. Bunions can make it difficult to find comfortable shoes.
What causes bunions?
A bunion is produced when the bones within the front part of the foot move out of place. The lump that you see at the base of the toe is a result of the position of the toe being distorted.
Poor posture and less than optimal pelvis positioning can encourage the development and worsening of bunions. At the same time, the existence of bunions can also have an impact on the pelvis and hip joints, especially if you walk or stand a lot.
A bunion is produced when the bones within the front part of the foot move out of place. The lump that you see at the base of the toe is a result of the position of the toe being distorted.
Poor posture and less than optimal pelvis positioning can encourage the development and worsening of bunions. At the same time, the existence of bunions can also have an impact on the pelvis and hip joints, especially if you walk or stand a lot.
Treatment of bunions
Bunions tend to get worse over time, but they can be opposed to stop them from getting worse, to support the foot better, and to alleviate pain.
Rolfing takes a wholistic view of the whole body. Addressing aspect of pelvic positioning and leg alignment, as well as working on the foot itself, can help to oppose bunions and relieve pain. Gait analysis and movement re-education optimise walking efficiency.
Practical things like wearing shoes that enable a healthy functioning of the foot can help the situation. Using toe separators may assist (I provide these to Rolfing clients in session 2 where we focus on feet). Paying attention to the toes in yoga practice can also be helpful.
Bunions tend to get worse over time, but they can be opposed to stop them from getting worse, to support the foot better, and to alleviate pain.
Rolfing takes a wholistic view of the whole body. Addressing aspect of pelvic positioning and leg alignment, as well as working on the foot itself, can help to oppose bunions and relieve pain. Gait analysis and movement re-education optimise walking efficiency.
Practical things like wearing shoes that enable a healthy functioning of the foot can help the situation. Using toe separators may assist (I provide these to Rolfing clients in session 2 where we focus on feet). Paying attention to the toes in yoga practice can also be helpful.
Post-surgery
The medical term for bunions is hallux valgus. Surgery may be offered in extreme cases, where the big toe is repositioned. This is a big intervention and possible risks of any surgery should always be considered before going ahead. Rolfing can assist in reducing after-effects of surgery, after physiotherapy has been completed.
The medical term for bunions is hallux valgus. Surgery may be offered in extreme cases, where the big toe is repositioned. This is a big intervention and possible risks of any surgery should always be considered before going ahead. Rolfing can assist in reducing after-effects of surgery, after physiotherapy has been completed.
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