Have you ever looked at your feet and noticed your big toe angles towards your smaller toes? You may also see a bump on the bone just below the big toe. These symptoms could mean you have a bunion.
Unfortunately, bunions don’t go away on their own, but there are management techniques that will help you avoid surgery. Massage may be a solution. Read on to learn more about bunions and their treatment options.
What are Bunions?
Bunions occur when pressure is applied to the big toe over time pushing it out of alignment. It is characterized by a bony bump on the base of your toe. Although bunions aren’t always painful, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Pain and stiffness (pain may increase when wearing certain shoes)
- Limited mobility in your toe
- Hammertoes
- Numbness
- Corns and calluses
- Swelling
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions typically develop due to the following factors:
- Wear pointed shoes that crowd your toes
- The way you walk
- Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Standing for long periods on an ongoing basis (people who walk and stand a lot at work may develop bunions)
- Family history
How are Bunions Treated?
- Footwear Changes: Your doctor may recommend wearing wider shoes that leave more room for your toes.
- Bunion Pads and Tape: Bunion pads cushion the area around the bunion to relieve pressure. They may be held in place with medical tape.
- Orthotic Devices: Shoe inserts and toe spacers may support your feet and help with alignment issues. You may also wear a splint on your big toe when not wearing shoes.
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: OTC pain relievers may reduce pain and inflammation associated with bunions. Ice and corticosteroids can also decrease inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist may recommend exercises to strengthen your feet and maintain their alignment.
- Surgery: In extreme cases, your provider may recommend bunion correction surgery.
Can Massage Help Bunions?
Massage is an effective bunion treatment. It relaxes foot muscles and may retrain them to follow their natural direction. It can also improve circulation and relieve trigger points that cause muscles to shorten.
The therapy will also relieve bunion-related pain and inflammation. It eases muscle contractions in the area to increase mobility. The therapist will use circular motions around the bunion and in the calf, foot, and shin to promote relief.
The Quality of the Massage Matters
If you are dealing with something as serious as bunions, you need optimal relief. Massage Revolution is a recommended provider. We use trigger point massage therapy and other techniques that target bunion pain and elongate muscles.
Our highly skilled technicians will get to the root of the problem and devise a customized solution that’s right for you. We also offer physical therapy that may address bunion pain. We have helped thousands of patients find pain relief from various conditions.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and look forward to increased health and wellness.
Massage Revolution’s Back & Neck Relief Center located in Manhattan Beach is the world’s largest and best neuromuscular medical massage team in the country specializing in relieving your aches and pains for good!
Member savings plans are available. PPO insurance is also accepted.
