What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a hard bump that appears on the inside border of your foot, at the base of your big toe. It develops when the first metatarsal bone in your foot shifts inward, while the big toe begins to angle outward toward the other toes. Bunions can become bigger over time as the joint deviation becomes enlarged.

The joint misalignment is what can cause foot pain, irritation while wearing shoes, as well as other issues like corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails.

Bunions tend to follow a gradual progression pattern. Recognizing which stage you’re in can help guide your next steps for treatment or prevention.

Stage 1: Early Bunion Formation

• Slight bump near the big toe joint
• Minimal pain, mostly after wearing tight/pointy-toe shoes
• Big toe alignment begins to shift

Stage 2: Moderate Progression

• The bump becomes more pronounced and hard skin (callus) may develop
• Increased discomfort, especially during walking or long periods of standing
• The big toe starts to rotate and become more obviously misaligned

Stage 3: Advanced Progression

• Significant misalignment of the big toe
• Persistent pain and possible swelling
• Big toe may closely abut or overlap with the second toe

Managing Bunions Effectively

When bunions are addressed early and with consistent care, you can slow their progression and significantly reduce discomfort. A range of medical devices and clinical services are available to support your foot health.

Custom Foot Orthotics

• Redistribute pressure away from the bunion
• Improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the joint
• Improve overall comfort in some footwear that is required for certain jobs or activities

Appropriately Fitting Footwear

• Choose wide-fit shoes with a roomy toe box
• Look for soft, stretchable uppers that don’t press against the bunion
• Avoid high heels and pointed-toe shoes

Toe Spacers/Separators

• Help realign the big toe and reduce friction
• Can be pre-fabricated or custom-made for better fit
• Useful at night, during rest periods, and especially during the day while walking

Specialty Devices: Infracare 24 Hour Bunion Alignment Device

• Offers gentle correction both during the day and at night
• Dual-splint design supports alignment while allowing movement
• Lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear inside shoes

Preventative Tips

To keep bunions from getting worse or to avoid them altogether, it’s good to consider the following ideas:

• Wear proper footwear early and often
• Limit high heels and narrow shoes
• Stretch your feet and toes regularly
• Use bunion-friendly socks and orthotics as needed
• See a Pedorthist at the earliest signs of bunion formation

Why Should You See a Canadian Certified Pedorthist?

Pedorthists are healthcare professionals that specialize in lower limb biomechanics and can:

• Assess your gait and foot structure
• Fit you with custom orthotics or modifications to footwear
• Monitor changes and adapt your treatment plan over time
• Refer you to a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse for callus or corn treatment
• Help prevent complications before they arise

While bunions can and often do get worse over time, the right care at the right time can significantly improve comfort and prevent complications. Whether you’re noticing the first signs or are already dealing with bunion pain, it’s never too early, or too late, to seek professional help. A Canadian Certified Pedorthist can guide you toward better foot health with evidence-based, non-invasive treatments.

The post Will Your Bunions Get Worse Over Time? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Some of our clients have been navigating the challenges of big toe joint pain for years. From discomfort to a transformative path to relief, let’s learn about a particular BioPed client’s story; one of resilience and recovery!

This particular client made an appointment with one of our lower limb clinicians because of pain in their right big toe joint.  The pain did not occur suddenly, it progressively worsened over a couple years.  When they arrived for their initial assessment, they were unable to walk without pain and because of this, put more weight onto the left foot to avoid discomfort.

What are bunions and why do they cause pain in the big toe?

During the assessment, there was a discussion about their medical history and foot pain, and both feet were examined.  A significant bump on the side of the right big toe, and callus on the bottom of the foot was discovered. This bump or bony prominence on the big toe joint is called a bunion.  Bunions develop over time as the joint becomes misaligned.  It’s common for osteoarthritis to set in as joint degeneration occurs, limiting the range of motion of the joint and how well it functions when walking.  Callus is hardened and thickened skin that forms because of the way the foot moves in relation to the ground.

How do bunions develop?

A biomechanical assessment and gait analysis was carried out to determine the best way to address this client’s pain and discomfort. A flattened arch on both feet was noted, and more so on the right.  The arch of the foot will flatten when excess pronation or “rolling in” occurs.  Consequently, more pressure is placed on the side of the big toe joint.  A treatment plan was created, which included custom foot orthotics, new footwear and medical footcare.  Orthotics provide needed arch support, redistribute pressure on the bottom of the foot and improve balance when walking.  Footwear with a rocker bottom sole encourages momentum forward, which is effective in offloading the pressure on and movement in this important joint of the foot.

Treatment Options for Bunions and Big Toe Joint Pain

The goal of treatment was increased stability and control of foot overpronation to relieve pain and discomfort.  A referral was made to the Footcare Nurse in the clinic, for treatment of the callus build-up on the bottom of the foot.  Consistent routine foot care to keep the callus at bay, custom foot orthotics and appropriate footwear are an excellent combination to help make walking more efficient, balanced and comfortable.  Custom foot orthotics often require a break-in or adjustment period, but for this client, their pain started to improve with their first steps.  Their big toe joint pain dissipated quickly to become mild and under control and the need to put more weight on the opposite/left side decreased as they felt significant relief!

What can you do at home to help?

For clients suffering with discomfort between the big and second toe, there are toe separators and sleeves that can be worn to protect the skin and to act as a cushion.  BioPed Footcare clinics also carry a bunion night splint, and daytime aligner sleeve that can be worn with footwear, to help straighten the big toe and relieve pressure between toes.  It’s important to maintain the health of your skin by applying moisturizer on a regular basis, using one that contains urea, if calluses and corns are a concern.

Book an appointment!

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is irreversible once it has developed, but it can be managed well with the modalities mentioned above, plus other options available at BioPed.  If you are suffering with joint pain or any other type of lower body pain, call BioPed Footcare today to make an appointment to discuss treatment options designed specifically for you to help you do more in life!

The post A patient’s story – big toe joint pain appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

 Shoes do not have to be expensive to be considered good quality, in other words, expensive does not always mean good quality. The most important factor is the fit of the shoe on the foot. Getting measured regularly to ensure you are buying shoes that fit your current foot size and shape is key. A BioPed clinician can help you navigate and clarify the footwear that is best for you. They will help you do more by avoiding the 6 most common conditions associated with poorly fitted shoes.  

 The 6 most common foot conditions associated with ill-fitting shoes are: 

1.  Ingrown Toenails: Ingrown toenails occur when the sides of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. Tight shoes that squeeze the toes can exacerbate this problem. To prevent ingrown toenails, ensure your shoes provide enough room for your toes to move freely. Your foot should not bulge over the sides of the shoe, and you should not be able to pinch excess fabric. You want the shoe to fit snugly but comfortably.
2. Foot Ulcers: A foot ulcer is an open wound, often seen in patients with diabetes. Improper-fitting shoes can increase the risk of ulcers by creating friction and pressure points on the foot. People who have diabetes often have poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy (altered protective sensation). People with diabetes may have a hard time healing from foot wounds and therefore it is important to do regular foot checks and always wear properly fitted shoes, that are too tight or loose. A loose shoe can cause the foot to move around the shoe and cause friction, which can lead to skin breakdown. Additionally, wearing padded socks and considering custom foot orthotics from BioPed can provide extra protection and comfort. 
3. Heel Pain: Heel pain is a general term and can include conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. These common issues can be linked to inadequate arch support and improper footwear fit. Always look for shoes that have adequate arch support that will cushion and help distribute pressure evenly across the entire foot. Custom foot orthotics can also provide relief and prevent future pain.  Consider speaking to a BioPed lower limb clinician today. 
4. Bunions: Bunions are bony bumps that form on the side of the big toe joint (at the base of the big toe).  They are exacerbated by wearing tight, narrow shoes, and the often run in families. Bunions can cause pain and swelling in the join and even on the skin’s surface, making it difficult to walk comfortably. To help prevent bunions from forming, or to slow down the progression of them becoming worse, choose a shoe with a wide toe box and avoid too high of a heel. Heels will put extra pressure on the front of the foot and toes. Custom foot orthotics are effective in correcting muscle imbalance around the toes and will control abnormal forces in and around the foot. There are devices such as toe spacers, bunion aligners and bunion guards that can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with bunions, such as in between the toes from pressure.  
5. Toenail Fungus: Toenail fungus thrives in warm, dark and moist environments. To reduce the risk of fungal infections, wear shoes made from breathable materials and wear moisture-wicking socks. Keeping your feet dry and clean is crucial. Disinfecting shoes and changing socks on a regular basis will help reduce the risk of infection and reinfection. Our Advanced Footcare Nurses and Registered Chiropodists can help with debulking fungal toenails so topical medicated treatments work better.  At BioPed, we carry OTC nail treatments and a disinfectant spray, and when used in combination, help fight infection and prevent it from happening again. Ill-fitting shoes that are too tight can injure toenails and make fungal infections more likely.
6. Hammertoes: A hammertoe is a toe deformity when a toe becomes bent at the middle joint. This is a common condition and most often affects the second toe.  It can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight and not long enough, and by an imbalance of the muscles in and around the toes. Hammertoes can cause pain and make it challenging to find comfortable footwear, because the middle of the toe sticks up and can rub on the top of the shoebox. To lessen risk for developing hammertoes, always choose shoes with adequate space for toes. For relief from hammertoe discomfort, there are toe sleeves, padding and cushions that can help to protect and possibly straighten a bent toe.  Custom foot orthotics are effective in reducing the need for toes to grip the ground to stabilize the foot.   

Now that we’ve looked at different foot conditions, let’s dive into the ins and outs of ‘properly fitted shoes’ to avoid possible foot pain. Things to consider are: 

1. Have your feet measured: your feet can change shape and length over time. Get both feet measured to ensure that you have the correct length and width from the start. 
2. Correct size: Ensure there is enough space (about a thumb’s width) between your longest toe and the front of the shoe to prevent pinching, blisters, callus, etc. 
3. Proper width: The shoe should fit comfortably around the sides and ball of your foot without squeezing or causing discomfort, allowing enough room for the toes to spread naturally.  
4. Secure heel cup: The heel should fit snugly into the heel cup with minimal slippage, which helps provide stability and prevents blisters. 
5. Adequate arch support: Look for shoes that match the natural contours of your foot and with some added arch support in the shoe liner.  This will help to reduce strain on your feet. 
6. Removable insole: A removable insole allows you to adjust it or replace it with a custom foot orthotic, ensuring personalized comfort and optimal support. 
7. Cushioning: Good cushioning helps absorb shock, reduces pressure on joints and hopefully prevent discomfort during prolonged standing or walking. Ensure that you have the right amount of cushioning for the activity you plan on doing. 

 At BioPed we are dedicated to helping you stay active and comfortable. Whether you are dealing with foot issues or trying to prevent issues, our team of Pedorthists, Chiropodists, and Footcare Nurses are here to assist you. Remember, well-fitted shoes are more than just a fashion choice, they are a crucial part of your overall health and well-being. Let’s keep you on your feet and doing more in life! 

Book your complementary Assessment with BioPed today!

At BioPed, we keep you moving! Our Pedorthists, Chiropodists, and Medical Footcare Nurses work closely together to ensure that you receive the best solution and care possible when preventing or treating any foot, ankle, or leg condition. 

Since 1981 BioPed Footcare & Orthotics has proudly helped more than 1 million Canadians. We provide custom orthotic solutions, custom compression solutions, fitted bracing solutions, fitted and custom footwear, and medical footcare solutions, including surgical and non-surgical solutions. 

If you are suffering with any kind of lower limb or foot pain, book a complementary assessment today and get back to doing more of the things you love in life! Start by finding your local Clinic here https://www.bioped.com/locations/ 

The post Top 6 problems caused by ill fitting shoes appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

The post How Serious is a Bunion? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

At BioPed Footcare, people of all ages and all walks of life visit our clinic’s lower limb clinicians for help with foot and lower limb pain and discomfort. As a part of BioPed’s multidisciplinary team of Certified Pedorthists, Footcare Nurses and Registered Chiropodists, we enjoy providing footcare for new clients and for those they have known for years. By increasing comfort and function, we strive to improve the quality of life for all our clients.

A few weeks ago, a new client to one of our BioPed clinics called to book an appointment as they were suffering with pain and discomfort in both of their heels.  At the start of their assessment, we sat down together and heard about their new passion for getting into shape and achieving a more healthy body weight.  This passion drove them to get outside and get going hard and fast!  Unfortunately, exercising and training that is not done gradually and in increments can cause unexpected and unwanted injury.

This client was so eager to get started, they dug out a pair of old running shoes last worn almost a decade ago.  They felt comfortable at first while walking around the house, but after a week of running on concrete neighbourhood sidewalks, their heel pain became increasingly worse.  When questioned, they indicated the pain was worse when they first got out of bed in the morning, with the pain easing up slightly as the day progressed.  When they booked this appointment, they were asked to bring in the running shoes they had been wearing.  At first glance we noticed these shoes were worn out and had lost their integrity, including the support and cushioning they may have had at one point years ago.

Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we treat in our BioPed clinics.  Plantar fasciitis is often the culprit of heel pain and can result for a variety of reasons including a sudden increase in activity level, new or overused footwear, transitioning from indoor to outdoor training or recent weight gain.  It is usually concentrated on the bottom centre of the heel where the plantar fascia inserts onto the heel bone.  The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that is attached to the bottom of the heel bone and extends to the toes.  It acts as a truss or support for the arch and foot.  If left untreated, a bone spur on the heel may develop over time.

During an appointment like this, a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis are always conducted in order to figure out what is going on in a person’s lower body mechanics and how we can help them heal and perform better.  This particular client had a higher than normal arch and when they walked we noticed a heavy heel strike.  Naturally this client was guarded when walking that day during their assessment as their heels were sore with every single step.

How did we address this heel pain?

The pain this client experienced was caused by inflammation.  R.I.C.E is a well-known combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation.  The first recommendation we made was taking a rest from running to prevent further trauma to the insertion site of the plantar fascia.  We also advised this client to apply ice or cold therapy directly to the heel.  Inflammation causes an increase in temperature therefore ice and cold counteract.  Freezing a water bottle and rolling it under the heel will deliver cold therapy and massage at the same time.  Massage balls can be purchased at all BioPed clinics and are effective in breaking up scar tissue that may have formed with the inflammatory process.  The Orthosleeve FS6 helps ease and reduce swelling with 6 zones of compression to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.  If done properly, stretching can also be helpful to increase flexibility and keep the soft tissue supple which can help heal an injury and prevent a new one from forming.

his client of ours had reduced shock absorption when walking and running and we decided to prescribe and make them custom foot orthotics (CFOs).  We designed their CFOs to help control the amount of rotation in their heels and add needed shock absorption in the lower body.  Our overall goal was reducing the strain on the plantar fascia.  The importance of properly fitted and activity-specific footwear must never be underestimated.  It is vital to remember that not all shoes are created equal!  Our client’s running shoes were worn out and not benefiting them whatsoever.  Not only did we fit them for a new pair of running shoes with cushioning and stability features suitable for their fitness journey, we also recommended wearing an indoor pair of shoes or sandals with a moulded footbed around their home.  Suffering with an acute episode of plantar fasciitis like our client was, it was imperative to have supportive footwear with a stable platform under their feet at all times.  At BioPed, we have many options to choose from and will always take the time to find the best fit for you!

After a week of R.I.C.E and wearing supportive footwear at all times, our client’s pain started to dissipate.  After sufficient healing was well underway, we gave the go ahead to start running again wearing their new CFO and running shoe combination.  We discussed guidelines for training and how to do so safely to avoid re-injury and downtime.

If you’ve tried all the aforementioned treatments and are still suffering with plantar fasciitis, a cortisone injection could help.  This injection delivers an anti-inflammatory steroid directly to the site which ensures the medicine will work where it needs to work.  There are minor risks with a treatment like this such as infection, numbness and fascial rupture.   Most importantly, always remember pain is not normal.  If you are suffering with heel pain, book an appointment at your local BioPed with one of our lower limb clinicians today to determine the cause of your pain and the best treatment(s) for you!

If you are suffering from heel pain or any other type of lower body pain, call BioPed Footcare today to make an appointment to discuss treatment options designed specifically for you to help you do more in life!

The post A Patient’s Story – Treating Plantar Fasciitis appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

At BioPed Footcare, people of all ages and all walks of life visit our clinic’s lower limb clinicians for help with foot and lower limb pain and discomfort. As a part of BioPed’s multidisciplinary team of Certified Pedorthists, Footcare Nurses and Registered Chiropodists, we enjoy providing footcare for new clients and for those they have known for years. By increasing comfort and function, we strive to improve the quality of life for all our clients.

In walks a client suffering from pain in their big toe joint…

As a Registered Chiropodist, I recall a particular client who arrived to see me because of pain in their right big toe joint. This pain did not occur suddenly, it progressively worsened over a couple years. When they arrived for their initial assessment, they were unable to walk without pain and because of this, tried to put more weight onto the left foot. When they sat down in the clinic room chair, we had a chat about their medical history and their foot pain. After examining both feet, I noticed a significant bump on the side of the right big toe and a callus on the bottom.

This bump or bony prominence on the side of the big toe joint is called a bunion. Bunions develop over time as the joint becomes misaligned and it is common for osteoarthritis to occur. Osteoarthritis is painful because of joint degeneration. As a result, it will eventually limit the joint’s range of motion and its ability to move when walking. A callus is hardened and thickened skin that results from the way the foot moves in relation to the ground. It can also be painful as it is a focused area of pressure.  

In order to determine how best to address my client’s pain and discomfort, I performed a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis after performing routine footcare. I noticed a flattened arch on both feet but more on the right. The arch flattens when excess pronation or “rolling in” occurs. Consequently, there was quite a bit of pressure placed on the big toe joint. I often consult with my Certified Pedorthist team member for her opinion and together that day, we decided custom foot orthotics would provide needed arch support, help redistribute pressure on the bottom of the foot and improve balance when walking.  

We also felt this client’s footwear could be improved. Some footwear is designed with a rocker bottom sole to encourage momentum forward thereby offloading the pressure on and movement in the big toe joint. Increased stability and control of pronation also help to relieve pain and discomfort in the foot and lower body.

In order to make walking more efficient and balanced for this client, I recommended regular routine footcare, custom foot orthotics, and appropriate footwear. Custom foot orthotics often require a break-in or adjustment period, but for this particular client, their pain started to improve with their first steps. Their big toe joint pain dissipated quickly to be mild and under control and the need to put more weight on the opposite side decreased as they felt relief with this new combination.

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is irreversible once it has developed, but it can be managed well with the modalities mentioned above.

If you are suffering from joint pain or any other type of lower body pain, call BioPed Footcare today to make an appointment to discuss treatment options designed specifically for you to help you do more in life!

The post A Patient’s Story – Big Toe Joint Pain appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.