Bunions are an interesting ailment in that they are so common, the surgery is so painful, and yet most people have no idea what causes them. Contrary to what most might believe, genetics are not the main culprit when it comes to these painful foot deformities. Rather, the root cause is often poor range of motion in the ankle.
So, how can you prevent or address bunions?
- Stretch the Hamstrings and Calves: Tight hamstrings and calves can contribute to the problem by forcing the muscles in your shins to work excessively hard to facilitate dorsiflexion. Not only can this be painful, but it can also lead to various issues elsewhere in the body.
- Choose Flatter Shoes: Wearing high heels, while fashionable, places excess strain on the inside of your toes and limits the overall flexibility of your ankles. Opting for flatter shoes can alleviate this strain and contribute to better foot health.
- Consider Kinesio Tape: Kinesio Tape can be a valuable tool for addressing bunions. It offers support and can help maintain proper foot alignment. You can apply it at home, but it’s important to watch instructional videos to ensure it is applied correctly.
Lastly, consider having your feet evaluated by a chiropractor. It’s not uncommon for issues in the extremities to stem from an instability in the spine and hips. Addressing these core areas of dysfunction can significantly contribute to bunion relief and overall foot health.