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When one has suffered from a bunion and after the problem has been corrected, one tends to forget the condition. However, it’s not because it has healed that it can’t reappear. Recurrence of hallux valgus especially depends on its causes. Discover why prevention remains the best weapon against bunion recurrence.
Brief reminder: what is a bunion?
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a condition that involves a double deviation. The big toe is deviated towards the other toes while the first metatarsal is deviated outwards. As a consequence, the joint forms an angle that leads to a bony protrusion: the famous bunion!
First step against bunion recurrence: Has the condition been properly treated?
Indeed, the first step is to make sure that the problem has been corrected. In some cases, pain disappears and inflammation reduces but the progression insidiously continues. Also, the bony protrusion can seem less noticeable. Indeed, if the inflammation decreases, the bursitis (or pocket filled with fluid on the bunion) tends to disappear. By wearing appropriate shoes and braces, symptoms can reduce. However, the disappearance of symptoms doesn’t mean the condition is definitely treated...
No matter what corrective action taken (including surgery), a bunion can reappear, especially if the patient does not change its habits in terms of shoes.
Also, if a patient with a mild bunion stops to wear braces that are adapted to his/her condition or doesn’t limit the aggravating factors, the situation keeps worsening or could reappear.
For this reason, it is crucial to change one’s behaviour once and for all.
Second step against bunion recurrence: eliminating the causes
In order to eliminate the causes of the condition, it is first necessary to recognise them. The causes of a bunion can be very different: identify them is not as easy... However, among the most frequent causes, let’s name genetic predispositions (gender, constitutional hypermobility, flat feet, Egyptian foot, problem of muscle balance of the first ray...), age, poor fitting shoes and weight.
If acting in favour of the two first factors is complicated, it is quite easy to change one’s wearing habits of shoes. To do so, EPITACT® gives you the best tips to wear shoes suitable for a bunion HERE. By choosing shoes that fit your shape more than your look, you would avoid many unnecessary frictions and pressures.
Third step against bunion recurrence: protecting the sensitive areas
To avoid hallux valgus recurrence, prevention remains the best solution. For example, wearing the bunion protector* on a daily basis can prevent recurrence. In the case of a mild to moderate deformity, realign your big toe during daily activities with a flexible bunion protector*. At night, fight against the deviation of the big toe with a rigid bunion protector*. However, let’s remind that hallux valgus is a deformity that cannot disappear over time.
Also, doing simple exercises contributes to muscle strengthening and improves joint flexibility. Find out a set of exercises for this condition, to do regularly in order to limit its progression. Another advice consists in massaging the bunion with essential oils like the Wintergreen oil.
Perfect compliance with these recommendations will limit the risks of bunion recurrence. However, the risk is always present, so stay careful!
*These products are class I medical devices that bear the CE marking under this regulation. Carefully read the instructions before use. Manufacturer: Millet Innovation. 09/2021