Bunions / Hallux Valgus

What are bunions?

A bunion is a painful swelling of the soft tissue, and bone enlargement over the inside of the ball of the big toe. Often the big toe will look as if it is bent in towards the other toes or even can lie across them.

What causes bunions?

• Biomechanical factors which are genetic defects contribute for example if you pronate excessively then you are more prone to bunions.

What are the problems / symptoms of bunions?

• Pain in and around the ball of the big toe. This can be from the bone rubbing too much on the shoes.
• You may be unable to wear certain types of shoes.

What can the athlete do about bunions?

• Separate the big toe and the next one with a 1 cm thick piece of foam.
• Shield the bunions by cutting a hole for it in a piece of padding.
• See a sports injury specialist or podiatrist and have orthotic devices made.

What can a specialist do?

• A podiatrist is a Doctor that specializes in feet. They can make orthotic devices for your feet and in bad cases can operate on the bunions.

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