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ConditionsAnkle & FootBunions
Structural Deformity

BunionsToe Alignment

Comprehensive management of bunion deformities with conservative and surgical treatment options.

Mild-Severe
Severity
Very Common
Prevalence
Progressive
Timeline
Structural
Category
Overview

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe where it connects to the foot. It occurs when the big toe pushes against the next toe, forcing the joint to get bigger and stick out.

Bunions are progressive deformities that typically worsen over time without treatment. While genetics play a role, footwear choices and foot mechanics significantly influence their development and progression.

Severity Levels

Mild

Small bump with minimal symptoms

Symptoms:

  • •Slight bump at base of big toe
  • •Occasional discomfort
  • •Mild shoe fitting issues

Treatment:

Proper footwear, toe spacers, padding

Prognosis:

Excellent with conservative care

Moderate

Noticeable deformity with regular symptoms

Symptoms:

  • •Visible bump and toe deviation
  • •Regular pain and stiffness
  • •Difficulty finding shoes

Treatment:

Orthotics, physical therapy, injections

Prognosis:

Good with comprehensive management

Severe

Large deformity with significant functional impact

Symptoms:

  • •Large bump with severe deviation
  • •Constant pain
  • •Severe limitation in footwear

Treatment:

Surgical correction often required

Prognosis:

Variable, surgery may be necessary

Treatment Phases
1

Conservative Management

Ongoing

Prevent progression and manage symptoms

Proper footwear with wide toe box
Bunion pads and toe spacers
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modification
2

Active Treatment

6-12 weeks

Improve function and reduce symptoms

Custom orthotic devices
Physical therapy for toe mobility
Strengthening exercises for foot muscles
Corticosteroid injections if needed
3

Surgical Consideration

Variable

Correction of severe deformity

Surgical consultation for severe cases
Pre-operative preparation
Post-operative rehabilitation
Long-term follow-up care
Exercise Program

Mobility

Daily, multiple times

Toe Stretches

Gently stretch big toe away from other toes

Hold 10 seconds, repeat 10 times

Toe Flexion

Bend and straighten big toe

10-15 repetitions, 2-3 sets

Toe Circles

Move big toe in circular motions

10 circles each direction

Strengthening

Daily

Toe Spreads

Spread toes apart as wide as possible

Hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times

Marble Pick-up

Pick up marbles with toes

10-15 marbles, 2-3 sets

Towel Scrunches

Scrunch towel with toes

10-15 repetitions, 2-3 sets

Stretching

2-3 times daily

Calf Stretch

Stretch calf muscles against wall

Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times

Plantar Fascia Stretch

Pull toes back toward shin

Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times

Achilles Stretch

Step stretch for Achilles tendon

Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times
Risk Factors

Genetic

Family history of bunions
Inherited foot structure
Joint hypermobility
Connective tissue disorders

Footwear

High heels
Narrow toe box shoes
Poor fitting footwear
Tight socks or stockings

Medical

Arthritis
Flat feet
Female gender
Age over 40
Recommended for Bunion Relief

Bunion Support & Protection Products

Protect and support your feet with our specialized bunion pads, toe spacers, and wide-toe footwear designed to reduce pain and prevent bunion progression.

Recommended Products

Protection & Support

Bunion Pads

Cushioning and pressure relief

Toe Spacers

Alignment and separation aids

Footwear Solutions

Wide Toe Box Shoes

Proper fitting footwear

Night Splints

Overnight toe alignment

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