BUNIONS & CLAW TOES
Toe deformities and pain is a frequent worry for new patients coming to SOLE THERAPY. Bunions and claw toes are commonly the cause of these complaints. Here at SOLE THERAPY our goal is to identify the cause of your toe deformities, reduce pain levels, prevent further development and avoid surgery.
Bunions- What you need to know
A bunion is a foot deformity that is related to the movement of the bones around the big toe joint. It is characterized by the big toe moving at a sideways angle towards the 2nd toe and a bump developing on the inner side of the foot. As it becomes more prominent, pain can develop along with troubles fitting into shoes.
Constant stress to the joint causes a minor displacement of the bones and the joint, thickening of the tissues and a change in the pull of the muscles.
This can result in a degree of arthritis of the joint, and over time, further movement of the big toe.
Common contributing factors to bunion development are:
- Genetics
- Tight footwear
- High heels
- Poor foot mechanics
- Trauma to the joint
Pain can be sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache made worse with activity i.e. when the pain is bent. Pain can also occur at night in bed. Gradual onset of the pain shows that there is inflammation at the joint; ongoing or worsening pain can indicate arthritis in the joint.
Claw Toes- What you need to know
A claw toe is a toe that is bent at the middle and end joints- causing pressures into the top & sole of your shoes; creating painful corns. If not treated claw toes will continue to deform and worsen over time. Ligaments and tendons surrounding the toe have tightened causing the toe’s joint to curl under. Claw toes can occur in any toe except the big toe.
Some common causes of claw toes are:
- Poor footwear- i.e. too big (clawing from attempting to hold the shoes on) or too small (toes are squished and curl under)
- Nerve changes may lead to retraction of the toes
- Compensation for biomechanical issues (stabilizing the foot, weakness of core foot muscles)
- Bunions often lead to clawing of the 2nd toe
Sole Therapy treatment options
Your journey at SOLE THERAPY will start with an in-depth biomechanical assessment. Not only will the cause and extent of your big toe pain be identified but the body will be examined as a whole. Your movement patterns are analysed to identify abnormalities to decrease your risk of other lower limb injuries, poor posture dysfunction and pain.
From here our expert Podiatrists will work with you to get rid of the pain and improve your body’s function.
Treatment options include:
- Temporary Padding and Strapping to stabilize your toes in the short term
- SOLE THERAPY Customized Functional Orthotics that will decrease loading at the forefoot, stabilize the toes and address poor mechanics for long-term pain relief
- Foot Mobilization Therapy of the toes and surrounding joints to restore range of motion
- Dry Needling to fast track the release of muscles causing increased pressure at the toes
- Footwear Advice and Fitting– We have a variety of supportive and wide footwear available in the clinic which can be expertly fitted by our Podiatrists
- Education on at home Trigger Point Therapy- spiky ball and anti-inflammatory cream
- Education on at home Stretching Exercises to release tight surrounding structures
SOLE THERAPY will be able to treat your bunions and claw toes, keeping you pain free and out of surgery.
Book an INITIAL BIOMECHANICAL APPOINTMENT on our new ONLINE BOOKING Tab or call us on (02) 9583 1138 so we can fix your bunions and claw toes today.
"Love your body from the sole up"
