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| Bunions
(Hallux
Abducto Valgus) |
Medical Etiology: (information for health
professionals)
Definition:
A valgus deviation of
the hallux commonly associated with an exostosis on the 1st
metatarso-phalangeal joint.
Symptoms:
Bunions can
sometimes be very painful or in other cases exhibit no pain at all.
When irritated by tight or ill-fitting shoes bunions can become red
and swollen.
Biomechanical etiology:
Bunions are
most commonly caused by forefoot adductus and excess pronation of
the Subtalar joint. Some bunions are caused by arthritis or trauma.
Interestingly, footwear is not the common cause as generally
believed.
Due to excessive pronation, forces load the medial
forefoot area. This increases the load on the 1st metatarsal shaft
in an adductory direction, causing rotation of the shaft, which then
requires the Hallux (big toe) to compensate by abducting. Feet that
have short 1st metatarsals or are hypermobile are more
susceptible to this condition.
Treatment:
Orthotics control excess pronation
(although not forefoot adductus) thus reducing load on the medial
forefoot area and reducing valgus deviation of the hallux. Orthotics
re-distribute the weight over the foot which may prevent or reduce
gradual growth of a bunion. Sometimes surgery may be indicated.
Exercises:
� Intrinsic forefoot exercises
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