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.
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 this distortion and the positioning of the big toe.
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 this distortion and the positioning of the big toe.
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 a negative 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 if left unchecked, but there are things you can do to oppose this progression. They are unlikely to reverse, but taking practical action can stop them from increasing, support the foot better, align the hips and pelvis, and alleviate pain.
Rolfing takes a wholistic view of the body. Addressing aspects of pelvic positioning and hip and leg alignment, as well as working on the foot itself, can help to oppose the development of bunions and to bring more ease to the feet and hips. Rolfing gait analysis and movement re-education optimises walking efficiency by bringing a more harmonious balance between the feet, joints and pelvis, in movement or in standing.
Taking practical steps like wearing shoes that enable a healthy functioning of the foot can help the situation. Inserting toe separators while at rest may also be beneficial (I offer a set of these to Rolfing clients in session 2 where we focus particularly on feet).
Bunions tend to get worse over time if left unchecked, but there are things you can do to oppose this progression. They are unlikely to reverse, but taking practical action can stop them from increasing, support the foot better, align the hips and pelvis, and alleviate pain.
Rolfing takes a wholistic view of the body. Addressing aspects of pelvic positioning and hip and leg alignment, as well as working on the foot itself, can help to oppose the development of bunions and to bring more ease to the feet and hips. Rolfing gait analysis and movement re-education optimises walking efficiency by bringing a more harmonious balance between the feet, joints and pelvis, in movement or in standing.
Taking practical steps like wearing shoes that enable a healthy functioning of the foot can help the situation. Inserting toe separators while at rest may also be beneficial (I offer a set of these to Rolfing clients in session 2 where we focus particularly on feet).
Paying attention to the toes in yoga practice can also be helpful for bunion management. Learning some toe exercises and how to position toes in yoga postures, particularly in standing poses, can also be helpful.
Surgery
The medical term for bunions is hallux valgus. Surgery may be offered in extreme cases, where the big toe is repositioned and pinned. This is a big intervention and possible risks of any surgery should always be considered before going ahead, including impacts on standing and walking. Rolfing can assist in reducing possible knock-on 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 and pinned. This is a big intervention and possible risks of any surgery should always be considered before going ahead, including impacts on standing and walking. Rolfing can assist in reducing possible knock-on effects of surgery, after physiotherapy has been completed.
