08 Jan Bunion Treatment with Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Bunion Treatment with Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Most people think that surgery is the only treatment when it comes to bunions; however, foot mobilisation is extremely successful. Foot mobilisation helps to address the underlying cause, improving the way that someone stands and walks as well as straightening the big toe. Conservative management, such as foot mobilisation, is recommended as early as possible, even if the sufferer feels no pain. At AFS we are the only practice to specialise exclusively in foot mobilisation. We have seen 1000’s of Bunions over the last 15 years.

There are some huge risks and costs associated with bunion surgery. In fact one study suggests that 30% of people that have bunion surgery are unhappy with their results. Unfortunately we see people through our clinic all the time that are unhappy with their bunion surgery. That’s not to say that in some cases bunion surgery may be indicated or get a positive result however there are always risks as well as significant cost compared to conservative management approaches such as ours.

(2009 FERRARI et al, Interventions for treating hallux valgus (abductovalgus) and bunions Cochrane Library)

The up side to foot mobilisation treatment for a bunion is that it doesn’t hurt, comparatively cheap, time efficient, and you can still remain active and wear whatever shoes you like.

I m going to show you a before and after picture from a study published measuring the effect of foot mobilisation on a bunion.

This picture is measuring the bunion from the article that is 28 degrees. A straight toe with no bunion is 15 degrees.

The study was conducted with the patient receiving foot mobilisation regularly over a 12 week period.

This is the after effects where the bunion has changed from 28 degrees and is now down to 16 degrees. And the great thing is we would expect the toe to straighten further down to 15 degrees.

JEDYNAK, T. 2009. Treating hallux abducto valgus conservatively through foot mobilisation techniques and exercise therapy. A case study. Podiatry Now, October, 12-15.