Conditions

BUNIONS
Bunions or “Hallux Abducto Valgus” are an enlargement of the great toe joint. The joint develops a bony prominence on the medial side of the joint, can become inflamed and painful when walking. This can be a condition that you are born with or much more likely, slowly develop over a period of years. In the latter situation it is believed that the bunion develops due to over-pronation(flat-feet) of the foot. This over pronation leads to an unstable foot type, which is not able to control the force of the bodyweight on the foot. This leads to the force of the bodyweight becoming destructive and pushing the joint into a bunion shape with associated osteo-arthritis and often pain.

A podiatrist will usually try to relieve symptoms by trying to prevent this over-pronation and attempting to make the foot better at coping with the bodyweight on the foot. This may be done with footwear, exercises and orthoses(insoles). This is usually very successful at relieving symptoms. Occasionally if the Bunion is too advanced your Podiatrist may suggest surgery as an option.