How to treat painful bunions and prevent future formation

One of the most common foot complaints is pain due to hallux valgus, more commonly known as bunions; how to treat painful bunions is a multifaceted approach

Though bunions have been the punch line of a few jokes, in reality this deformity of the forefoot causes extreme pain. DCs may well be able to help patients with this condition, particularly if it is caught early. Advanced cases often require surgery, which is not always successful, so we’ll take a closer look at how to treat painful bunions.

What is it?

Physiopedia.com gives a good description of hallux valgus — “In this foot deformity, the medial eminence becomes prominent as the distal end of the first metatarsal drift medially and the proximal phalanx deviates laterally. The first MTP becomes subluxed, what leads to a lateral deviation of the hallux, medial displacement of the distal end of the first metatarsal and bony enlargement of the first metatarsal head. With progression, the pull of the adductor hallucis tendon and the intermetatarsal ligament cause the sesmoids to erode the cristae underneath the first metatarsal causing the sesmoids to sublux laterally.” ¹

Preventative measures

Patients who suffer the pain of hallux valgus and seek traditional medical treatment early are usually treated conservatively, while those in a more advanced stage often face surgical intervention.² Some preventative or early-stage steps on how to treat painful bunions include:

Not wearing high-heels or shoes with tight toe boxes
Weight loss, or maintenance of a healthy weight
Proper foot pronation while walking

Night splints, taping, and other biomechanical interventions are also useful, however such treatments may need to be on-going for the patient to enjoy continued benefit. Physical therapy, including exercise, may also provide some pain relief over time.²

How to treat painful bunions and how chiropractic can help

Adjusting the metatarsal joints can be helpful, either using an instrument such as a hand-held neuromechanical adjusting tool or via a manual technique.

Although more research is necessary for concrete results, preliminary studies seem to indicate that manual and manipulative therapy can be more effective than current standard treatments.³

DCs can also use instruments to treat adhesions in the plantar fascia with soft tissue mobilization, which can improve motion and bring about pain relief. Padded shoe inserts can also help distribute pressure evenly on the feet, reducing symptoms and preventing bunions from getting worse. Over-the-counter supports can provide relief for some people; others require prescription orthotics.

References
¹ Erika VH, Lowe R, Svoboda B, Zumo K. “Hallux Valgus.” Physio-Pedia.com. http://www.physio-pedia.com/Hallux_Valgus. Accessed February 2015.
² Klugarova J, et al. The effectiveness of surgery for adults with hallux valgus deformity: a systematic review protocol. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. 2014:12(7).
³ du Plessis M, et al. Manual and manipulative therapy compared to night splint for symptomatic hallux abducto valgus: An exploratory randomised clinical trial. The Foot Journal. 2011:21(2);71–78.