BUNIONS
This condition is called hallux abducto valgus or referred to in the podiatry world as HAV!
It can commonly be seen as a bump on the side of the big toe (hallux) or the big toe deviating and moving closer to the second toe. This can ultimately cause the second toe to lift up (hammer toe) resulting in difficulty finding appropriate fitting shoes.
At Active Podiatry we always aim to avoid surgery, thus look at exhausting all conservative measures first. Unfortunately we cannot change the type of foot your have been handed down from your parents! First of all we accurately assess the way your foot functions by using our video gait analysis system. If you have a pronated (flat) foot type you may benefit from orthotics to help assist good foot function.
We also have vast experience in shoe fitting and know what suitable brands/shoe stores are in the local area for hard to fit feet! We also stock a range of Dr Comfort shoes that are great for people that have a wider foot type due to a bunion or hammer toe deformity. We also
know which brands/styles of running shoes would be most suitable.
Causes:
1. Foot function - can alter the biomechanics of the big toe joint. Flat feet or excessive pronation can lead to increase pressure or overloading the bunion area resulting in foot pain.
2. Hereditary - Bunions can run in families so check your parents or children's feet for any signs of development.
3. Footwear - high heels or narrow pointy shoes can place pressure over the bunion area resulting in pain. This is common in women due to poor fitting footwear!
Symptoms:
1. Redness, swelling and inflammation of the big toe joint.
2. Pain radiating through the joint and/or the ball of the foot.
3. Callous or corns around the big toe joint or bunion area.
What make it worse?
1. Poor fitting shoes (shoes that are too narrow or not deep enough)
2. Flat feet (over pronation)
What makes it better?
1. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory (topical or oral)
2. Advice on correct footwear, including the correct running shoes.
3. Controlling poor foot biomechanics with the use of foot orthotics
When is surgery needed?
A referral to a Podiatry surgeon or specialist orthapaedic foot and ankle surgeon can certainly be arranged. This usually occurs when all conservative measures have been exhausted. Together we can decide if this surgical option if best for you!
It can commonly be seen as a bump on the side of the big toe (hallux) or the big toe deviating and moving closer to the second toe. This can ultimately cause the second toe to lift up (hammer toe) resulting in difficulty finding appropriate fitting shoes.
At Active Podiatry we always aim to avoid surgery, thus look at exhausting all conservative measures first. Unfortunately we cannot change the type of foot your have been handed down from your parents! First of all we accurately assess the way your foot functions by using our video gait analysis system. If you have a pronated (flat) foot type you may benefit from orthotics to help assist good foot function.
We also have vast experience in shoe fitting and know what suitable brands/shoe stores are in the local area for hard to fit feet! We also stock a range of Dr Comfort shoes that are great for people that have a wider foot type due to a bunion or hammer toe deformity. We also
know which brands/styles of running shoes would be most suitable.
Causes:
1. Foot function - can alter the biomechanics of the big toe joint. Flat feet or excessive pronation can lead to increase pressure or overloading the bunion area resulting in foot pain.
2. Hereditary - Bunions can run in families so check your parents or children's feet for any signs of development.
3. Footwear - high heels or narrow pointy shoes can place pressure over the bunion area resulting in pain. This is common in women due to poor fitting footwear!
Symptoms:
1. Redness, swelling and inflammation of the big toe joint.
2. Pain radiating through the joint and/or the ball of the foot.
3. Callous or corns around the big toe joint or bunion area.
What make it worse?
1. Poor fitting shoes (shoes that are too narrow or not deep enough)
2. Flat feet (over pronation)
What makes it better?
1. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory (topical or oral)
2. Advice on correct footwear, including the correct running shoes.
3. Controlling poor foot biomechanics with the use of foot orthotics
When is surgery needed?
A referral to a Podiatry surgeon or specialist orthapaedic foot and ankle surgeon can certainly be arranged. This usually occurs when all conservative measures have been exhausted. Together we can decide if this surgical option if best for you!