Hallux Valgus Deformity
Hallux Valgus Deformity

Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Podiatrist’s Guide to Causes, Treatment & Prevention

If you’ve ever noticed a bump on the side of your big toe and felt discomfort wearing your favourite shoes, you might be dealing with a hallux valgus deformity – commonly known as a bunion (You can get a pinky toe bunion as). This foot condition can be both painful and frustrating, making everyday walking or finding comfortable footwear a challenge. The good news is that bunions are treatable, and understanding the causes and solutions can help you manage the problem proactively. In this friendly, professional guide (from a podiatrist’s perspective), we’ll explain what hallux valgus is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. By the end, you’ll have practical insights on relieving foot pain and keeping your toes healthy. Ready to put your best foot forward? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is the Cause of Hallux Valgus?

Hallux valgus deformity (a bunion) doesn’t appear overnight – it develops gradually due to a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. Essentially, hallux valgus means your big toe (hallux) is drifting towards the second toe (valgus means angled outward), which creates that telltale bump at the base of the big toe. But why does this happen in the first place? As a podiatrist, I often explain to patients that there isn’t one single cause, but several common contributors:

  • Genetics and Foot Structure: One of the biggest causes is your family footprint – literally! 😄 If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you’ve inherited a higher chance of developing a hallux valgus deformity. This is often due to inherited foot shapes or arch types. For example, flat feet or loose ligaments can make your big toe joint unstable, allowing it to drift over time. You can’t change your genes, but it helps to know if bunions run in the family.
  • Poorly Fitting Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels frequently is a major lifestyle factor. Shoes with a cramped toe box squeeze your toes together. Over years of fashion-first choices (like pointy heels), the constant pressure pushes the big toe inward. High heels add extra force on the front of the foot, accelerating the deformity. That’s why bunions are especially common in women – decades of fashionable but constricting shoes take a toll on toe alignment. A helpful diagram of a foot inside a narrow shoe would clearly show how the big toe gets forced out of position, leading to a bunion.
  • Repetitive Stress or Injury: If you have a job or hobby that puts pressure on your forefoot (like ballet dancing or manual labor that involves a lot of squatting on toes), the strain can contribute to a hallux valgus over time. Past injuries to the foot or big toe joint can also alter the alignment and encourage a bunion to form later.
  • Underlying Conditions: Certain medical conditions can make you more prone to developing bunions. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory joint disease) often affects the big toe joint and can lead to a bunion. Neuromuscular conditions that affect the way you walk might also put unusual pressure on the big toe joint.

So, in a nutshell: The cause of hallux valgus is usually a combination of inherited foot type and external pressure on the toes. You might be born with a foot structure that’s susceptible, and if you add years of tight shoes or heavy use, the big toe’s gradual drift begins. The process is slow – bunions typically develop over many years – so paying attention to early signs (like a slight bump or toe angling) can help you take action before it worsens.

How do you Fix a Hallux Valgus?

When a patient asks me how to fix a hallux valgus, they’re usually looking for a way to get rid of that bunion bump and straighten their toe. The answer depends on how severe the deformity is and how much it’s bothering you. There are both non-surgical approaches and surgical solutions to address hallux valgus. Let’s break down the options:

1. Conservative Management (Symptom Relief): First, it’s important to know that non-surgical treatments can greatly relieve pain and slow a bunion’s progression, but they won’t permanently reverse the deformity. If your hallux valgus is mild or moderate, I always suggest starting with conservative measures. This includes wearing wider, comfortable shoes (to remove pressure on the bunion), using protective pads over the bump, and trying toe spacers or splints at night to keep the toe aligned. These steps won’t “fix” the hallux valgus in the sense of making your bone straight again, but they can significantly improve comfort. Sometimes that’s all a person needs – if it doesn’t hurt and fits in your shoes, you may not feel a need for further intervention.

2. Corrective Exercises and Therapy: Alongside footwear changes, certain foot exercises can help stabilize the big toe joint. Strengthening the small muscles in your foot (for example, by picking up marbles with your toes or doing towel-scrunching exercises) may provide better support for the forefoot. Stretching the big toe gently and improving overall foot flexibility can also help. Again, these methods aren’t a quick “fix,” but over time they might improve how your foot feels and functions. Sometimes a physical therapist or podiatrist can guide you through exercises to maintain mobility in the toe. (Imagine a short video demonstrating toe stretches – seeing it in action could help you perform them correctly.)

3. Surgical Correction: If your bunion is severe or causing significant pain despite trying the above measures, surgery is the definitive way to fix a hallux valgus deformity. Bunion surgery, medically known as a bunionectomy with osteotomy, actually realigns the bone of your big toe. In a surgical procedure, a foot surgeon (often a podiatric surgeon or orthopedic surgeon) will remove the bony bump and cut or reposition the bones of the big toe and foot so that the toe points straight again. The surgeon then secures the bones in the corrected position with screws, pins, or plates while they heal. An X-ray image before and after bunion surgery would show the dramatic change in the angle of the big toe – a clear fix of the hallux valgus.

What to expect with bunion surgery: It’s usually an outpatient procedure (meaning you go home the same day). After surgery, you’ll need to rest and keep weight off that foot for a while. Recovery can take several weeks to a few months before you’re back in regular shoes without pain. Modern surgical techniques have improved a lot – incisions are smaller, and healing is faster than decades ago. Surgery has a high success rate in relieving pain and correcting the toe alignment. However, it’s generally recommended only when conservative treatments aren’t enough, because any surgery has risks and a recovery period.

4. Do you always need to fix it? Not necessarily. If your hallux valgus is not painful and doesn’t limit your activities, you may choose to simply manage it with better shoes and occasional care. I tell my patients that the decision to “fix” a bunion with surgery is usually based on pain and lifestyle impact, not just on how it looks. Many people live comfortably with mild bunions by adjusting their footwear and habits.

In summary, you can relieve and manage a hallux valgus in various ways, but the only way to truly “fix” the deformity (meaning to straighten the toe) is through surgery. It’s a personal decision based on discomfort level. A podiatrist can help you weigh the options, and even if surgery is in your future, the conservative steps you take now will improve your foot health and possibly make any eventual surgery easier.

What is the Difference Between a Bunion and Hallux Valgus?

You might be wondering: “Hallux valgus, bunion… aren’t they the same thing?” This is a common question, and the terminology can be confusing. In day-to-day conversation, people often use bunion to refer to the whole problem (the bump and the toe deformity). Hallux valgus is the medical term describing the specific deformity of the big toe joint. Here’s the difference explained in simple terms:

  • Hallux Valgus: This is Latin – hallux means big toe, and valgus means bent outward. So, hallux valgus literally describes what’s happening: your big toe is angled outward toward the second toe. When doctors talk about hallux valgus, they’re often referring to the angle of this deformity (which can actually be measured on an X-ray in degrees). Hallux valgus is essentially the diagnosis or condition – the structural problem in the foot.
  • Bunion: A bunion usually means the visible bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. This bump forms because the first metatarsal bone (the long bone leading to the big toe) juts outward when the toe drifts inward. The bunion bump is often a combination of bony protrusion and swollen tissue. It can become red, calloused, or sore due to rubbing against shoes. When someone says, “I have a bunion,” they mean the whole painful, bony knob on their foot. In medical contexts, a bunion might be referred to as the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) or enlargement at the joint.

Think of it this way: hallux valgus is the cause, and a bunion is the effect. Hallux valgus deformity leads to the development of a bunion bump. In practice, whether you say bunion or hallux valgus, most people (and even doctors) will know what you mean. The difference is mostly in usage: bunion is the layman’s term (and easier to say!), while hallux valgus is the clinical term a podiatrist might write in your chart.

So, there’s no need to get hung up on the wording. If your doctor mentions hallux valgus, they are talking about your bunion. And if you’re Googling bunions, you’re going to end up reading about hallux valgus. They refer to the same foot problem, just from slightly different angles (no pun intended).

Bonus tip: There’s also something called hallux rigidus, which is a different condition where the big toe joint gets stiff due to arthritis (but that’s another topic). And a Tailor’s bunion (or bunionette) is a similar bump that can form on the little toe side of the foot. But for our discussion, bunion = hallux valgus.

What Happens if Hallux Valgus is Left Untreated?

Let’s say you notice a small bunion starting but decide to just ignore it. What’s the worst that could happen if you leave hallux valgus untreated? As a foot doctor, I’ve seen bunions that began as a minor annoyance turn into a bigger problem over time. Here’s generally what can happen when a hallux valgus deformity is not addressed:

1. Gradual Progression: Hallux valgus is usually progressive. This means the angle of your big toe can slowly get worse. The bump may grow more prominent as the toe drifts further. You might go from a barely-there bump to a noticeable deformity over several years. The rate of worsening varies—some bunions progress quickly, others very slowly—but they typically don’t improve on their own. (Bunions very rarely “stop” on their own without changes in footwear or intervention.)

2. Increasing Pain and Discomfort: A mild bunion might not hurt much at all, but as it enlarges, it can become more painful. The constant friction of that bump against shoes can cause skin irritation, redness, or blisters. The area can develop bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint), which makes it tender and swollen. Eventually, walking for long periods or wearing any snug shoes may cause aching or sharp pain in the big toe joint. Untreated hallux valgus can start to impact your daily activities – you might avoid walks or exercise because your foot hurts.

3. Toe Deformities and Joint Damage: Over time, a severe hallux valgus can begin to affect the other toes. The big toe might press against or overlap the second toe, pushing it out of alignment too. This can lead to hammer toes or clawed toes in the smaller digits because they’re being displaced. The big toe’s misalignment also throws off how weight is distributed across the foot. You may get calluses or pain under the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) as more weight shifts to the second toe area. In the big toe joint itself, long-term misalignment can contribute to arthritis – the cartilage wears down from the abnormal stress, leading to stiffness (less range of motion in the toe) and chronic pain.

4. Difficulty with Footwear: One of the most immediate problems of a growing bunion is simply finding shoes that fit. Untreated hallux valgus can become so pronounced that standard shoes don’t comfortably accommodate the bump or the angled toe. People often have to buy wider shoes or larger sizes to avoid pressure, and even then, there can be friction. Some end up living in sneakers or open-toed sandals because dress shoes or heels are too painful to wear. It can limit your wardrobe and activities (for example, hiking with a stiff boot might be impossible with a large bunion).

5. Impact on Mobility and Life: In advanced cases, bunion pain can severely limit your mobility. I’ve had patients who stopped doing activities they love – like dancing, jogging, or even playing with their grandkids – because every step hurt. The longer you go without addressing a painful hallux valgus, the more you risk it becoming a serious quality-of-life issue. You might unconsciously change the way you walk to avoid pain, which can lead to secondary issues like pain in the arch, ankles, knees, or back.

6. More Complex Treatment Later: If you ignore a bunion until it’s very severe, any eventual treatment (especially surgery) can be more complex. A mild to moderate hallux valgus might be corrected with a relatively straightforward surgery and quick recovery. But an extreme deformity could require a more involved surgical procedure, possibly even fusing joints or correcting secondary toe problems. The recovery might be longer, and there’s a higher chance of needing additional interventions. Simply put, the longer you wait, the harder (and more expensive) it can be to fix.

In summary, leaving hallux valgus untreated allows it to likely get worse. While a bunion isn’t life-threatening, it can turn into a serious impediment if it progresses. The sooner you address it – even if just by switching to better shoes or using orthotics – the more you can stave off the painful consequences. Don’t panic if you have a bunion; just don’t ignore it either. Early care can keep a small issue from snowballing into a larger one.

Is Hallux Valgus Serious?

Hearing you have a “deformity” in your foot can sound scary, but how serious is hallux valgus really? The answer can vary person to person. Hallux valgus (bunions) ranges from a mild inconvenience to a major source of pain and disability. Let’s put it into perspective:

Not Life-Threatening, But… In medical terms, a hallux valgus deformity is not a life-threatening condition. It’s a localized foot issue, and it won’t directly cause something like a blood clot or infection unless it’s extremely neglected or unless there are complications from surgery. Many people live with small bunions for decades with minimal trouble. So, in that sense, it’s not “serious” like a heart condition or something that will shorten your life.

…It Can Be Life-Altering: While a bunion won’t kill you, it can certainly affect your quality of life. If it progresses, the pain and foot dysfunction can become very serious to you. For example, toe pain when walking can be due to a bunion, you might start avoiding exercise and become more sedentary – which has its own health downsides. If you can’t find any shoes that fit, you might withdraw from social activities or work events that require certain footwear. A serious hallux valgus can limit your mobility to the point where even a trip to the grocery store is daunting. From a podiatrist’s viewpoint, anything that impairs your ability to stay active and independent is a serious matter and should be addressed.

Degrees of Seriousness: Hallux valgus comes in degrees. A mild bunion might just be an aesthetic issue (a slight bump, occasional mild soreness in tight shoes). This is not very serious and often manageable with simple remedies. A moderate bunion might regularly ache and require you to modify your footwear – it’s more serious, but still, something you can often handle without surgery. A severe bunion can be very serious in terms of foot mechanics – your big toe could be pushing under/over other toes, you might be in pain even barefoot, and you may develop other toe deformities or arthritis. At that stage, it’s serious enough that you likely need medical intervention.

Psychological Impact: Don’t overlook that for some individuals, having a noticeable foot deformity can affect their confidence or mental well-being. If you love dancing or running and can’t do it anymore, it can feel quite devastating. So, in a holistic sense, hallux valgus can be as serious as the limitations it imposes on your life.

The Good News: The bright side is that hallux valgus is very treatable at virtually any stage. We consider it a common problem – a significant percentage of the population (especially older adults) have bunions to some degree. Podiatrists and orthopedic specialists deal with hallux valgus cases daily. This means there are established solutions and treatments out there. So even if your bunion is serious in size or pain, you have options to correct or manage it effectively (from better shoes and inserts to advanced surgical techniques).

In conclusion, hallux valgus can be serious if it’s causing pain or limiting your life. But you have control over how serious it becomes. By taking steps early to care for your feet and seeking treatment when needed, you can prevent a bunion from ever reaching a “serious” stage. And if it’s already there, help is available to get you back on your feet – literally!

How do You Treat Hallux Valgus Without Surgery?

Not everyone with a bunion is eager to jump into surgery – and the good news is there are plenty of ways to treat hallux valgus without surgery. In fact, conservative (non-surgical) treatments are the first line of defense and can be very effective in reducing pain and stopping the bunion from getting worse. Here’s a comprehensive look at non-surgical strategies, from simple at-home changes to professional treatments:

1. Smart Footwear Choices: Changing your shoes is often the single most effective non-surgical treatment for hallux valgus. Opt for shoes that have a wide toe box (so your toes aren’t squeezed together). Look for soft materials that won’t rub harshly on the bunion. Avoid high heels or shoes that force your weight onto the front of your foot – a lower heel or flat sole is preferable. You might consider brands that make specialty shoes for bunions or use stretchable fabrics around the toe area. Simply switching from a narrow dress shoe to a cushioned sneaker can provide immediate relief. Over time, consistently wearing bunion-friendly footwear can slow or even halt the progression of the deformity. Tip: If you love heels, try to reserve them for short durations and carry comfy shoes for walking or later in the day.

2. Protective Pads and Supports: You can find many over-the-counter products designed to cushion or gently correct a bunion. Bunion pads (made of gel or moleskin) stick onto or around the bump to shield it from friction and pressure. These pads make wearing shoes more comfortable by preventing rubbing and reducing pain. Toe spacers or separatorsare small devices (often silicone) that you wear between the big toe and second toe to keep them apart. They encourage a straighter toe alignment especially while wearing shoes. Some people wear them during the day in roomy shoes or at night when sleeping. Splints or braces for bunions are also available – these are usually worn at night and strap onto the foot, holding the big toe in a corrected position. While pads and spacers won’t cure a hallux valgus, they can provide significant symptomatic relief and modestly improve toe alignment while in use.

3. Orthotic Inserts: Custom orthotic insoles or even good quality off-the-shelf arch supports can be a game-changer. Why? Because orthotics help correct the overall biomechanics of your foot. For example, if you have flat feet or your foot rolls inward (overpronation), it can put extra pressure on the inner edge of your foot, worsening a bunion. An orthotic insert supports your arch and distributes weight more evenly, taking load off the big toe joint. You can get these from a podiatrist (custom-molded to your foot) or try non-prescription ones first. They slip into your shoes and can be used daily. Many patients find that with orthotics, not only does their bunion ache less, but their whole foot feels better aligned.

4. Foot Exercises and Physical Therapy: While exercises won’t magically straighten your toe, they can strengthen the muscles around the foot and improve flexibility, which helps in the long run. Here are a few effective bunion exercises:

  • Toe stretches: Gently pull your big toe into proper alignment (toward its normal position) and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this a few times daily to keep the joint flexible.
  • Resisted toe movements: Loop a small towel or resistance band around your big toe and push the toe against it (both inward and outward) to strengthen the muscles that control the toe.
  • Marble pickup or towel curl: Scatter a few marbles on the floor and try to pick them up using your toes or lay a towel flat and use your toes to scrunch it toward you. These exercises strengthen your toe flexor muscles and arch.
  • Calf stretches: Believe it or not, tight calf muscles can affect your foot mechanics. Doing a wall calf stretch helps improve ankle flexibility, which can reduce pressure on the forefoot.

A physical therapist or a podiatrist can guide you through these and ensure you’re doing them correctly. Consistency is key – doing a few exercises each day can maintain joint mobility and may relieve tension in the bunion area. A short tutorial video or diagram illustrating these foot exercises would be a great aid to ensure you’re targeting the right muscles.

5. Pain and Inflammation Management: On days when your bunion is particularly sore, there are ways to ease the pain at home. Ice the area – applying an ice pack to the bunion for 5-10 minutes can reduce swelling and numb pain (just remember to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin). Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help with pain and reduce inflammation in the joint (use as directed and check with your doctor if you have any contraindications). Some people find warm foot soaks with Epsom salts soothing if the joint is achy (especially in cases of arthritis). Others use topical analgesic creams. While these don’t treat the hallux valgus itself, they improve your comfort and keep you moving.

6. Weight Management and Activity Modification: Carrying extra body weight means more pressure on your feet with every step. If appropriate, losing weight can lessen the load on your bunion, which might translate to less pain and slower progression. Additionally, if you do high-impact activities (like running on hard surfaces) and it’s worsening your foot pain, consider switching to lower impact exercises (like cycling or swimming) to give your foot a break, at least temporarily. This doesn’t mean you should stop being active – just be smart and kind to your feet in how you exercise.

7. Regular Monitoring: Treating without surgery also means keeping an eye on things. It’s wise to have periodic check-ins with a podiatrist to monitor the bunion’s angle and how it’s progressing. They can take foot X-rays if needed to see the alignment. If things are getting worse despite your best efforts, it might be time to re-evaluate the treatment plan.

By combining several of these non-surgical treatments, many people find they can live comfortably with a hallux valgus deformity without ever needing surgery. The key is to be proactive: wear good shoes, use supports, do exercises, and address pain early. Each little step (no pun intended) can make a difference in keeping your foot pain-free and functional. And if one method doesn’t help much, try another or a combination – for example, shoes + orthotic inserts + toe spacer at night might together yield relief.

Remember, treating a bunion without surgery requires some commitment and lifestyle adjustments, but it’s absolutely achievable. You have the power to slow down or even stop the bunion from getting worse, and you can significantly reduce your discomfort with these methods. Many patients are pleasantly surprised at how much better they feel just by changing their shoes and adding a simple insert or pad. Give these approaches a try before jumping into surgical options.

FAQs

In this FAQ section, we’ll address a few more commonly asked questions about hallux valgus deformity (bunions) that haven’t been covered above. If you’re still curious about your foot condition, you might find the answer here:

Q: Can a bunion go away on its own?
A: Unfortunately, bunions do not go away on their own. Hallux valgus is a structural deformity – the bones have shifted – so without intervention, the bump will remain. In fact, it will likely either stay the same or gradually worsen over time. The bunion might feel better or worse at times (depending on your activities or shoes), but the underlying deformity doesn’t reverse spontaneously. That’s why proactive care (like good footwear and orthotics) is important to prevent progression.

Q: Are bunions hereditary?
A: There isn’t a “bunion gene” per se, but heredity is a big factor. What you inherit are certain foot characteristics (like flat arches, a long first metatarsal bone, or lax ligaments) that can predispose you to developing a hallux valgus. If your mother or father had significant bunions, keep an eye on your own feet. It doesn’t guarantee you’ll get one, but you’ll have a higher risk, especially if combined with other factors like tight shoes. On the flip side, some people with no family history can still develop bunions if they subject their feet to lots of stress or ill-fitting shoes.

Q: Does wearing high heels cause hallux valgus?
A: High heels (and other tight, pointed-toe shoes) don’t directly cause hallux valgus in everyone, but they are a major contributing factor. Heels force your body weight forward onto the toes and often have a narrow toe box that squishes the toes together – a recipe for bunion formation in someone who is susceptible. Many women who have worn fashion heels for years develop bunions, especially if they also have an inherited tendency. If you love heels, try to limit how often you wear them and opt for heels with a wider toe area. Saving stilettos for special occasions and using comfortable flats or sneakers day-to-day can make a big difference in preventing foot deformities.

Q: When should I see a doctor about my bunion?
A: Consider seeing a podiatrist (foot doctor) or orthopedic specialist if you notice any of the following:

  • Persistent foot pain in the big toe joint or ball of foot that affects your daily activities.
  • The bunion is getting noticeably larger, or the toe is moving dramatically toward the others.
  • You’re having difficulty finding shoes that fit or you’re changing your lifestyle to avoid pain.
  • There’s redness, swelling, or a burning sensation around the joint (signs of inflammation or bursitis).
  • The second toe is starting to develop problems because of the bunion (like hammer toe or corns).

A doctor can give personalized advice, possibly prescribe custom orthotics, and discuss whether you might need surgical correction. Early consultation can help you manage the issue before it becomes more severe.

Q: Can bunions come back after surgery?
A: Yes, bunions can recur after surgery if the underlying causes aren’t addressed or if the surgery didn’t fully correct the deformity. Surgery corrects the current misalignment, but if you go back to wearing tight high-heeled shoes or if your foot structure continues to exert the same pressures, the big toe could gradually drift again. Recurrence isn’t very common, but it does happen in a small percentage of cases. That’s why post-surgery, podiatrists recommend continuing good footwear habits and possibly using orthotic supports. In some cases, choosing a slightly more aggressive surgical procedure (for very severe bunions) can reduce the risk of recurrence. Always follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions and maintain foot-friendly practices to keep the bunion from coming back.

Q: Is hallux valgus preventable?
A: While you can’t change your genes, you can certainly take steps to prevent or minimize a bunion. The best preventive measures are similar to the non-surgical treatments we discussed:

  • Wear comfortable shoes that fit well, with plenty of room in the toe area. Avoid making high heels or pointy shoes your everyday footwear.
  • Take care of your feet – if you notice your big toe starting to lean or a small bump forming, don’t ignore it. Use protective pads or spacers early on.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce chronic pressure on your feet.
  • Stretch and exercise your feet and toes, especially if you wear confining shoes during the day. Even simple things like taking off your shoes at home and flexing your toes can help.
  • If you have flat feet or other structural issues, consider using orthotics proactively to support proper alignment.

These measures can significantly reduce the risk of a hallux valgus deformity developing or worsening. Essentially, be kind to your feet – they’re the only pair you’ve got!

Conclusion

Dealing with a hallux valgus deformity (bunion) can be daunting but remember that you’re not alone and there’s a lot you can do to help your feet. We’ve covered everything from what causes bunions to how to fix them and manage the pain. The main takeaways are wear shoes that love your feet, don’t ignore foot pain, and seek guidance if things start to get serious. Hallux valgus is a common foot issue, and with the right care – be it simple lifestyle tweaks or advanced treatment – you can stay on your feet comfortably.

From a podiatrist’s perspective, the goal is always to keep you active and pain-free. Most people with bunions find relief through conservative measures, and those who need surgery often say they wish they’d done it sooner for the improved quality of life. The bottom line is that a bunion might slow you down a little, but it doesn’t have to stop you. With knowledge and proper care, you can manage a hallux valgus deformity effectively and continue doing the things you love.

Your feet carry you through life – take good care of them! A little attention to a troublesome toe now can pay off in comfort and mobility for years to come. If you’re suffering from foot pain or a bunion, don’t hesitate to reach out to a foot care professional for personalized advice. Here’s to happy, healthy feet and a future free of bunion pain! Good Luck!

References:

  1. Kuhn, J. & Alvi, F., 2023. Hallux Valgus. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
  2. Omae, H., Ohsawa, T., Hio, N., Tsunoda, K., Omodaka, T., Hashimoto, S., Ueno, A., Tajika, T., Iizuka, Y. & Chikuda, H., 2021. Hallux valgus deformity and postural sway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22, Article number: 503.
  3. Ray, J.J., Friedmann, A.J., Hanselman, A.E., Vaida, J., Dayton, P.D., Hatch, D.J., Smith, B. & Santrock, R.D., 2019. Hallux Valgus. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 4(2), p.247

Rohan Newman MSc MRCPod

Rohan Newman is a qualified podiatrist and teacher with many years of experience and extensive training, with a diploma in education, a BA in physical education, a BSc (Hons) 1st Class in podiatry and an MSc in sports health.

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