Physiotherapy for bunions

Waiting to have a bunion removed? While surgery is the only way to remove a bunion, there are ways to treat the pain in the meantime.

Physiotherapy is often recommended to patients both before and after the surgery. Here, you’ll discover what bunions are, and how physiotherapy can help.

What are bunions?

Bunions present as small bony lumps on the side of the big toe and affect the 1st Metatarsophalangeal joint. The lump can cause the big toe to look slightly deformed, and it can be difficult finding footwear to accommodate this deformity,

While they are harmless, bunions can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. They are known to be more prevalent in women and older adults.

Alongside the noticeable bump, people with bunions may also present with:

• Calluses or corns

• Numbness within the big toe

• Difficulty bending the big toe

• Hammertoes

What causes bunions?

Certain factors may contribute to the onset of a bunion, including the pressure or forces applied to the foot whilst standing or walking, choice of footwear such as high heels or tight fitting shoes, an injury to the foot or a medical condition such as arthritis or inflammatory disease. Our genetics may also play a part.

For many, the bunion deformity worsens over time, and you may start to notice an increase in pain over the side of the bump and mobility issues. Physiotherapy can help to improve function and reduce pain associated with bunions. If this is not effective, however, surgery can also be considered alongside a physiotherapy post-operative rehabilitation programme.

Why is physiotherapy for bunions important?

If bunion surgery is required, in order for you to gain the best outcome following the procedure and to reduce the risk of the bunion recurring, physiotherapy is also recommended.

Physio aims to improve foot biomechanics, while strengthening muscles which help to stabilise and control the foot . This helps you to walk without placing excessive pressure upon the big toe.

You can also use physiotherapy in conjunction with certain lifestyle changes to potentially avoid surgery. The success of physio and lifestyle changes alone will depend upon the severity of the bunion. If it is mild with few symptoms, you stand a good chance of avoiding surgery by strengthening weak muscles, stretching tight muscles, improving foot stability and adapting your footwear.

If you have a bunion that is troubling you, book a consultation with our expert Foot & Ankle team today. After assessing your foot, a physiotherapy treatment plan will be suggested. Whether you require surgery or not, physiotherapy is an important part of bunion treatment.