Bunions (Hallux Valgus) are bony lumps that form on the side of the feet. Nonhereditary, bunions are due to a lack of foot support very often associated with a ligamentous laxity which can be hereditary. Many factors in our lifestyle can have a big impact on their development – such as the hard pavement of the city we live in, the social need to wear shoes, shoes with high heels and a narrow toe box. Not only that but also our tendency to buy light and soft soles thinking that cushioned shoes will help with the condition, when actually it only makes it worse.

 

1) There are Four things to remember about this condition:

Light shoes are light because they have less support. The blown rubber used to make them is expanded or mixed with air during the production process and no shank is added between the insole and the outsole to reinforce the shoe sole from the heel to the ball of the foot. Like a sponge, soft soles let your feet collapse whether you are standing or moving.

 

2) Lack of arch support puts more weight on the ball of the foot. As a result the lesser toes curl (grasp), and the big toe (hallux) rotates and points outwards.

 

3) Surgery will most of the time make the foot look better – but the root cause will still need to be addressed after the operation to stop the problem returning.

 

4) Lacing techniques, custom moulded orthotics or supportive shoes (with a firm sole that bends only under the ball of the foot ) helps to distribute the pressure under the entire sole. This loads the arch rather than the forefoot, preventing or slowing down bunion development.