Bunions | Hallux Valgus (Diagnosis, Exercises, Treatment)

Summary by Krater

Dr. Tony Comella explains what bunions are, discusses non-operative treatment options like orthotics and night splints, and demonstrates three exercises targeting big toe extension, calf strength, and big toe abduction.

From the video

Answers: What are bunions and what are the best exercises and treatments for them?

• Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
• Orthotics for bunions
• Night splints and toe separators
• Toe extension mobilization
• Heel raises for foot and calf strength
• Toe spread out exercise
• Foot intrinsic muscles

Exercises

• Toe Extension Mobilization · bodyweight · 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, 1-2 times a day
• Heel Raises · bodyweight · 2-4 sets of 8-15 repetitions, 2-4 times a week
• Deficit Heel Raise · step · 2-4 sets of 8-15 repetitions, 2-4 times a week
• Seated Heel Raise · bench and kettlebells · 2-4 sets of 8-15 repetitions, 2-4 times a week
• Toe Spread Out · bodyweight · 20 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week

What it concludes

• Custom-made orthoses appear to have no effect in the evolution of mild and moderate hallux valgus during a 12-month period.
• Orthotics do not correct the abductovalgus deformity of the great toe, though they showed effectiveness at the 6-month follow-up.
• Taping, splints, and toe separators may reduce pain, but they do not seem to make any significant changes in deformity in the short term.
• Individuals with bunions demonstrated less activation of the abductor hallucis during abduction and more during flexion compared to healthy subjects.
• Foot intrinsic exercises targeting big toe abduction might be the most beneficial option for bunions.
• Non-operative treatments do not seem to change bunion deformity to any significant degree in the short term.