New announcement. Learn more

Bunion Treatment at Foot Foundation

Bunions are a progressive big toe joint deformity that can cause pain, swelling, and footwear difficulty—not just a cosmetic concern.

At Foot Foundation, we address the drivers of your bunion with orthotics, footwear changes, mobilisation, and rehab. When needed, we coordinate orthopaedic referral and support your recovery.

What are Bunions (Hallux Valgus)?

A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a progressive deformity of the big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint). It occurs when the big toe drifts sideways toward the second toe, while the first metatarsal bone angles outward. This creates a bony prominence on the inside of the foot.

Bunions are not simply a cosmetic issue—they represent a structural joint problem. They can cause significant pain, footwear difficulties, corns and calluses, and in advanced stages, arthritis of the big toe joint.

At Foot Foundation, we specialise in diagnosing the underlying causes of bunions, slowing their progression, and providing comprehensive management to reduce pain and improve function.

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Genetics – strong hereditary link, especially in those with ligamentous laxity

  • Foot structure – flat feet, hypermobility, or long first metatarsal bones predispose to bunions

  • Footwear – tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes accelerate progression

  • Gender – more common in women (partly due to footwear and hormonal ligament changes)

  • Arthritis – particularly rheumatoid arthritis, which can deform multiple joints

  • Occupational and activity factors – long periods of standing, running, or sport in poor footwear

  • Associated deformities – hammer toes, claw toes, or hallux rigidus may develop alongside bunions

Treatment at Foot Foundation

  • Footwear advice – recommending wider toe box shoes, cushioned midsoles, and soft uppers to reduce irritation

  • Custom orthotics – control pronation, offload pressure, and slow progression

  • Padding and strapping – protect against shoe pressure, realign toe temporarily

  • Manual therapy & mobilisation – maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness

  • Exercise therapy – strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and improve calf/ankle stability

  • Shockwave therapy – for soft tissue pain around the joint

  • Night splints or toe spacers – provide temporary relief but do not correct bone alignment

  • Referral for surgery – considered if pain is severe or footwear is intolerable. Procedures may include osteotomy (bone realignment), bunionectomy, or joint fusion/replacement in advanced arthritis

Symptoms

  • Visible bony bump on the inside of the big toe joint

  • Pain, swelling, and redness around the joint

  • Big toe drifting toward or overlapping the second toe

  • Restricted movement in the big toe joint

  • Difficulty wearing normal footwear

  • Corns or calluses caused by altered pressure

  • Pain worsening with activity, walking, or prolonged standing

Diagnosis

At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:

  • Clinical assessment – alignment, range of motion, tenderness, callus patterns, footwear-related irritation

  • Biomechanical analysis – gait assessment, pronation control, load distribution across forefoot

  • Footwear review – examining fit and style contributing to deformity

  • Imaging:

    • X-rays – used to measure bunion severity (hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle) and detect arthritis

Bunions (Hallux Valgus) – FAQs

Why Choose Foot Foundation?

Foot Foundation provides specialist bunion care, integrating podiatry and physiotherapy expertise. We use orthotics, footwear optimisation, manual therapy, and rehabilitation to manage bunions conservatively, and work closely with orthopaedic surgeons when surgery is necessary.

With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert bunion care is available across New Zealand.

Explore our
General Foot Pain pages

Forefoot Pain

Morton’s Neuroma

Metatarsalgia

Sesamoiditis

Hallux Limitus / Rigidus

 

This product has been added to your cart

CHECKOUT