
Things to Know About Bunions | Footsport Podiatry
Things to Know About BunionsOur bunion mission statement

We will endeavour to manage your bunion pain without surgery allowing you to enjoy an active lifestyle.?
Why come to Footsport?We have successfully treated 1000"s of bunion patients.Most up to date technology available in Australia.Treatment protocol designed around latest evidence.We surround ourselves with the finest specialists in Sydney when on referral is required.
Is bunion pain getting you down?
Being active people we understand the frustration of not being able to exercise due to bunion pain. Bunion pain is a debilitating condition and if not treated early it can result in prolonged pain, deformity and potentially surgery. ? We have developed treatment strategies to help reduce symptoms and get you back to your normal activities as? soon as possible.
Our treatment plan;Once we have established the correct diagnosis we initiate a treatment plan.Early treatment of bunions is centred on providing symptomatic relief.Switching to a shoe with a rounder, deeper toe box and made of a softer more pliable leather will often provide immediate relief.The use of pads and cushions to reduce the pressure over the bone can also be helpful for mild bunion deformities.Functional foot orthotics,? by controlling abnormal pronation, reduces the deforming forces leading to bunions in the first place. These will help reduce pain in bunion deformities and slow the progression of the deformity.
? ? You don"t have to suffer any longer,? call us? today and let us help you!
If you would like further information please read on.
What is a Bunion -? To most people a Bunion means a bony bump on the side of the big toe. In reality the bunion is just one sign of a complex structural deformity resulting in pain.The condition is called Hallux Valgus which simply means that the big toe (hallux) instead of lying straight moves towards the second toe resulting in the bony bump called a bunion. As the big toe moves closer to the second toe is may result in the second toe lifting up and causing painful corns to develop.
Causes of Bunions
Hereditary - the bunion is not hereditary but the foot type that is prone to developing the bunion is.Foot Function can contribute to the pain in the bunion.? Dropped arches, a foot that rolls inward and an unstable foot will all result in over loading the bunion.Footwear - high heeled shoes with a pointy or narrow toe box will aggravate the bunion
Who Does it Effect -? Bunion"s effect men and women, both young and old. ? There is a higher incidence of pain in women due to inappropriate footwear.
Symptoms of Bunions
Redness, swelling and inflammation over the joint.Pain radiating through the joint and to the ball of the foot.Callous around the big toe and ball of the foot.
What Makes It Worse
High heelsIncorrectly fitting shoesIncorrect exercise shoesOver pronation (foot rolling in)
What Makes It Better
Appropriate shoesMatching your foot to the right sports shoeAssisting poor foot functionRest, ice, anti inflammatory to control pain and inflammation
Footsport"s Philosophy -? At Footsport we believe that bunion surgery should be a last resort.? We have developed a process for managing bunion pain which allows our patients to continue with their active lifestyles.
Footsport"s approach to Bunions links back into the three main causes.? We can"t change your parents but we can have a positive influence over the way your foot functions and the shoes that you wear.We use the latest digital technology for assessing gait and foot pressure. This allows us to gather all the information needed to determine your foot function and treatment needs.? At Footsport we are all expertly trained in assessing footwear and have years of experience working in the shoe industry.? To ensure you are fitted with the right shoe we have many contacts with shops selling footwear suitable for problematic feet.
Footsport"s Treatment for Bunions -? We have a conservative approach which consists of:? Foot exercises,? Stretching exercises,? Foot joint mobilisations (when needed),? Shoe recommendations,? Pads to distribute weight off the painful bunion,? Orthotics to control foot function.? These treatments will not change the appearance of the bunion but it will result in a reduction in pain and in many cases slows the progress of the deformity.
When is Bunion Surgery Needed?
In the majority of cases we recommend exhausting all conservative treatments before considering surgery. If the pain of a bunion doesn"t respond to a conservative approach then, it's time to discuss options with a foot and ankle surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.