Hallux Valgus (“bunion”) Rehab

Hallux Valgus is a progressive foot deformity characterised by a valgus (lateral)

➡️ deviation of the big toe and varus (medial)

⬅️ deviation of the first metatarsal (area at the base of your big toe). Usually, this results in a bunion cyst developing in the outside of the big toe.
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Bunions tend to occur due to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic causes, such as:
– constricting footwear (e.g. high heels)👠
– excessive foot pronation (increased pressure on the inside aspect of the big toe)
– increased length of the first metatarsal and hallux
– trauma to the medial and plantar ligament complex and medial sesamoid bone
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This post will be beneficial for those with bunions primarily caused by intrinsic factors (movement dysfunctions) or constricting footwear, and are in early-mid stage. It is important to NOTE, for those of you with bunions as a result of anatomical and/or structural changes that surgery may be the way to go 🔨as it is unlikely these exercises will make a difference. HOWEVER, it won’t hurt to have more intrinsic foot strength and control 😉
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The exercises seen in this post focus on developing abduction flexibility, control and strength of the big toe, big toe flexion & extension, as well as general arch strengthening with ideal big toe/ankle alignment, in order to prevent excessive pronation of the foot.
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Please like, share and TAG a friend who may find these beneficial!🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️
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Written by Pat Hughes (Exercise Physiologist)

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