By Andrew Siyabalawatte, November 2023.
Bunion Prevention
In 2011, I ruptured my ACL ligament in my right knee. In 2020, I noticed that over time, cysts that had developed inside my knee as a result of the injury, had began to bother me. I had started to depend more on my left leg, which caused me to walk differently.
Come 2022, my son was born and what a year it has been! Though since, my back has become noticeably stiffer. It may well be the daily habit of carrying or caring for him having something to do with it.
I guess after all, my spine was clearly not programmed to manage looking after a baby, and manage a long standing knee issue.
Now In 2023, I have noticed a small bump on the side of my big toe which, I am sure is the beginning signs of a bunion. Though I am fully aware of how to manage this issue, my question to you is, do you see the link?
It may sound like a strange connection, but bunions can be a strong indicator of an underlying back issue.
This is simply because movement that involves standing, walking, and running, require stability in the pelvis as the respective joints move.
Bunion Protection
The spine, connects to the pelvis – and if this connection is affected – it is common for the joints further down the chain to be affected and vice versa.
Bunions which are bone spurs, are usually caused by prolonged pressure on the big toe, which alters itself to manage the pressure, and therefore pushes it towards the second toe.
The foot allows this by dropping the arch to leave space for bone spurs to form as a result of the weakened muscles supporting the dropped arch.
The Short Term and Long Term Effect
A Bunion corrector is designed to straighten the big toe and return it to a “natural” position. Where it is speculated that it may provide short term temporary pain relief, it won’t cure a bunion and it may negatively effect the normal function of the toe, foot and limb further up towards the spine.
The REAL Bunion Corrector
Though surgery is an option, it does not resolve the reason why the bunion formed in the first place. Once formed, it is unlikely a bunion would naturally reduce in size, though arch strengthening exercises and a good arch support insole, can not only provide the support required to maintain a normal arch, but they may even prevent further growth of the bunion.
Check Your Spine
Where wearing insoles that amend the dropped arch of the foot may help, in my opinion it is essential to look for the real cause of the bunion by first checking your spine – down.
You may be surprised with what you find. After all, I was.