Physical therapy is often viewed as a treatment option for patients who have suffered an acute injury or in the wake of surgery, but it’s also a common treatment technique for patients who are suffering from slow developing conditions, like arthritis or joint dysfunction. One area that is prone to these slow developing issues is your toes, and we’re no stranger to treating these conditions. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at one of the most common toe deformities – bunions – and how physical therapy can help.
Bunions
Bunions are a foot condition categorized by a deformity of the big toe joint, located at the base of your big toe. Abnormal pressure on the joint, oftentimes caused by extended time spent in poorly fitted shoes, shifts this joint out of a natural stable location. Inward pressure the side of the big toe pushes the joint outward, leading to the development of a bony prominence or bump on the side of your foot. That bump is actually your shifted toe joint, and it can lead to pain, toe stiffness, limited range of motion and toe dysfunction if left untreated. A physical therapist can help you restore function and range of motion in the joint, and they’d also be happy to go over your footwear options and explain what types of shoes can help prevent the condition from coming back.
OrthoRehab Specialists
If you notice a visible deformity with your toes, even if pain is not present, bring it to the attention of your doctor. They may recommend a shoe change and watchful waiting, or they may refer you to a physical therapist so that you can prevent the issue from getting worse. Don’t wait until the problem has become too great to reverse. For more information, or for help with your toe deformity or foot pain, reach out to the experienced therapy team at OrthoRehab Specialists today.