Bunions Explained: What They Are and What You Can Do About Them

If you've noticed a bump forming at the base of your big toe, it could be a bunion forming. Don't worry, you're not alone!

WHAT IS A BUNION?

Bunions are one of the most common foot conditions. Said simply, a bunion (medically known as hallux abducto valgus) is when the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes, creating a bony bump on the side of the foot.

They can be painful, make shoes uncomfortable, and sometimes change the way you walk. The good news? There are steps you can take to stay comfortable, keep active and even reverse the condition in some cases!

🎧 Prefer listening? Check out our podcast episode on bunions here:

WHO GETS BUNIONS?

Anyone can develop a bunion. However, there are some people who are more at risk than others:

• Women more than men (women are twice as likely to develop a bunion)
• People over the age of 65 (35% of people over the age of 65 have a bunion)
• People who wear tight, narrow and constrictive footwear (especially high heels)
• People with 'looser' ligaments (people with connective tissue disorders)

WHY DO BUNIONS MATTER?

While some bunions are mostly cosmetic, many cause symptoms that affect comfort, movement, and overall foot function:

• Pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe joint
• Trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably
• Changes in the way you walk, which can affect other areas like the knees and the hips
• In severe cases, surgery may be needed to address the bunion

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT THEM?

The good news? There are plenty of non-surgical ways to reduce pain, slow progression, treat or even reverse bunions in the right circumstances:

Everyday changes:

• Choose footwear with a wide toe box that allow your toes to spread
• Using toe spacers and metatarsal domes to help with the bunion as needed
• Improve strength and flexibility around the bunion with simple exercises like massage, big toe movement and arch control to restore natural foot function
• Restore your ability to balance to help distribute the load across the foot and away from the bunion

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

If you've tried to improve your bunion, yet walking, footwear, or daily activities are becoming more uncomfortable, it might be time to check in with a TFC Pro for guidance on your journey.

• Severe or persistent pain that limits walking
• A bunion that seems to be worsening quickly
• Pain not improving with footwear changes or simple strategies

THE TAKEAWAY

A bunion doesn't have to stop you from living an active life. With the right footwear, simple exercises, focusing on foot strength and restoring your ability to balance, you can not only manage symptoms, but keep your feet happy and healthy for longer!

👣 Ready to treat your bunions, improve balance and restore foot function? Check out our resources! 👣