Bunion: More Than Just An Aesthetics Problem

Source:PodExpert

What causes bunion?

A bunion is essentially caused by either a
i) loose or uncontrolled big toe joint: Hypermobile, laxed and stretched joint or muscles necessary for stabilisation not working efficiently.
ii) stiff joint created by force of pull by certain muscle groups; e.g. adductor hallucis muscle. Certain muscle groups are overworking to find/ create stability; resulting in the joint being pulled inwards leading to bunion formation.

Does the way I walk causes bunion?

Your foot mechanism matter. The big toe can be a victim of compensation from other parts of your feet not working efficiently; e.g. heel stiffness, collapsed arch (flat feet), leading to rocking and pivoting inefficiently over the big toe.

Our heels should be able to rock and roll into different directions. Stiffness in the heel is problematic because it can lead to poor weight shifting and compensations, which can cause bunion formation. What you need is mobility and control of the heel.

I have flat feet. Does that lead to bunion?

Collapsed inner arch or poor arch control can also lead to bunion formation. Our midfoot needs to have a stable base or arch support to enable rocking onto big toe. When the foot is flat, the big toe has no leverage and has a disadvantage pivot point to push off into propulsion, further stressing the big toe and causing bunion formation.

Source: Depositphotos

How does wearing tight shoes make my bunion worse?

Tight shoes cramp up the midfoot, which leads to a lack of stable base (either collapsed arch); and inability to form a rigid lever to supinate and rock onto big toe during propulsion, thus stretching further into the big toe joint.

Source: Virtual Sports Injury Clinic

So, what should I do?

Is your big toe too loose or too stiff? Is your arch too flat, or is your heel not moving sufficiently? A consultation with a physiotherapist will be able to help you identify what is the root cause of your problem followed by a treatment tailored for your bunion.