More Than Just a Bony Bump
For many of our patients in Putney and Haberfield, a bunion (medically known as Hallux Valgus) is a source of both physical pain and aesthetic concern. It starts as a slight leaning of the big toe and gradually progresses into a prominent, bony protrusion at the base of the joint.
At Walk This Way Podiatry, we often hear patients say, “I think I need surgery, but I’m not ready for the downtime.”Our “Active Lives” philosophy focuses on exhaustive conservative management. We specialize in slowing the progression of bunions and eliminating the pain, allowing you to stay active without the immediate need for a surgical referral.
The Anatomy of a Bunion: What’s Really Happening?
A bunion is not a growth of new bone. It is a dislocation of the joint. When the first metatarsal (the long bone in your foot) shifts outward, it forces the big toe to angle inward toward your smaller toes. This misalignment causes the joint to “sublux,” or move out of its socket, which creates the characteristic bump.
As the big toe loses its ability to track straight, the joint undergoes increased friction and pressure. Over time, this can lead to:
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint.
Osteoarthritis
The “wear and tear” of the cartilage as the joint grinds out of alignment.
Hammertoes
As the big toe drifts, it “crowds” the second toe, forcing it to curl upward.
If you are suffering from any issues with your feet and have some concerns, book an appointment today.
Why Do Bunions Form? (The Sydney Lifestyle Factor)
While the popular myth blames “pointy shoes” entirely, the reality is more complex. At our Sydney clinics, we find that bunions are usually a result of Genetics + Biomechanics + Footwear.
Inherited Foot Type
You don’t “inherit” a bunion; you inherit a foot structure (like hypermobile flat feet) that makes you prone to them.
Over-pronation
If your arches collapse, excessive weight is shifted onto the big toe joint during every step, “driving” the toe out of alignment.
Footwear Acceleration
Narrow shoes and high heels don’t necessarily cause the bunion, but they act like a catalyst, speeding up a deformity that was already brewing.
Occupational Stress
Sydney professionals who spend all day on their feet in corporate footwear often see faster progression due to constant joint loading.
The Agitation The "Hidden" Risks of Delayed Treatment
Bunions are progressive. They do not get better on their own. If left untreated, the big toe—which is responsible for 80% of your foot’s stability during “toe-off”—stops functioning correctly.
Balance Issues
As the big toe weakens, your balance decreases, increasing the risk of falls as you age.
Transfer Pain
Because you instinctively stop putting weight on your painful big toe, you shift the load to the “ball of the foot.” This often leads to [Metatarsalgia] or stress fractures in the smaller toes.
Knee and Hip Strain
A faulty “propulsion” phase in your walk travels up the kinetic chain, causing unexplained pain in your knees and lower back.
Our Non-Surgical Management Strategy
At Walk This Way Podiatry, we follow an evidence-based clinical pathway to manage bunion pain and preserve joint function.
Biomechanical Assessment & X-Ray Review
We use [Video Gait Analysis] to see how your bunion is affecting your walk. If necessary, we refer you for weight-bearing X-rays to measure the exact “intermetatarsal angle” and determine the stage of the deformity.
Custom Orthotics: The Realignment Tool
The goal of [Custom Orthotics] in bunion management is to “offload” the joint. By supporting the arch and controlling over-pronation, we take the mechanical pressure off the big toe, which can significantly slow down the drift and eliminate daily aching.
Foot Mobilization & Strengthening
We don’t just use braces; we use exercise. We prescribe specific “short foot” exercises and toe-strengthening protocols to help the intrinsic muscles of the foot support the joint naturally.
K-Laser & Therapeutic Padding
To manage acute “flare-ups” where the joint is red and angry, we use therapeutic lasers to reduce inflammation and medical-grade padding to prevent footwear friction.
If you are suffering from any issues with your feet and have some concerns, book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reverse a bunion without surgery?
No non-surgical treatment can physically “move the bone” back to its original position. However, we can successfully eliminate the pain, improve the joint’s range of motion, and prevent the deformity from getting any worse.
Are bunion "splints" and "separators" effective?
Gel separators provide comfort by stopping the toes from rubbing, and night splints can stretch tight soft tissues. However, they do not fix the underlying biomechanical cause (like a collapsing arch), so the bunion will continue to progress once you take the splint off.
Do I have to stop wearing heels?
We advocate for “load management.” You don’t have to throw away your heels, but we recommend saving them for special events and using more supportive footwear for your daily commute. We can also provide “slimline” orthotics designed specifically for corporate shoes.
When should I see a podiatrist about a bunion?
The best time to see us is before it hurts. If you see your toe beginning to drift or if you have a family history of severe bunions, early intervention with orthotics is the best way to avoid the operating table later in life.
Is a bunion the same as gout?
No, but they occur in the same place. Gout is a metabolic condition where uric acid crystals build up in the joint, causing sudden, extreme pain. A bunion is a structural misalignment. We can help differentiate between the two during your assessment.
Does Medicare cover bunion treatment?
If you have a chronic health condition and your GP provides a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, you may receive a rebate for up to 5 sessions per year. Most private health funds cover bunion assessments and orthotics under “Extras.”
Why does my bunion hurt more in winter?
In Sydney’s winter, we switch to enclosed boots and heavier shoes. These are often narrower than summer sandals, increasing the “constriction” and friction on the bony bump.
Can children get bunions?
Yes, this is known as a “Juvenile Bunion.” It is almost always purely genetic and structural. It is crucial to treat these early with [Children’s Foot Checks] and orthotics to prevent severe deformity in adulthood.
How do I know if I finally need surgery?
We generally suggest surgery only if the pain prevents you from daily activities despite conservative treatment, or if you cannot find any footwear that fits. If you reach this stage, we work with Sydney’s leading foot and ankle surgeons to manage your pre- and post-op care.
What is a "Tailor's Bunion"?
A Tailor’s Bunion (or bunionette) is the same deformity but on the outside of the foot, at the base of the little toe. We treat these using the same biomechanical principles as regular bunions.
What people are saying about us…
Hundreds of patients in the Inner West and Sydney North have trusted us to treat their foot problems. We take great pride in our reputation and the reviews our patients leave us are testimony to that.
See what our patients say about their results on Google and Facebook, then book your own Biomechanical Assessment to experience the difference.
