Hallux valgus, otherwise known as bunions, is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot.

What is the cause of a Bunion?
Bunions occur after the 40 intrinsic foot muscles, that are responsible for forming the arch, become weak or atrophied as a result of being cushioned, supported or braced with an orthotic from birth. Without a functional arch, the flattened foot and bone structure has nowhere to go but out, creating a bunion. When we take a step the front of the foot naturally stays or gets wider to assist in the gripping and launch process. When you are wearing tight shoes this splaying or gripping action causes the big toe to tap against the side of the shoe which causes the body to lay a protective layer of bone which is why the Bunion grows over time. “When the arch becomes dysfunctional pressure is applied to the side of the hallux (big toe), forcing it inwards, towards and sometimes under or over the other toes.” Continual application of pressure causes the tissues surrounding the joint to swell and become tender. Unless surgically corrected, bunions are permanent.

BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ will stop the growth of bunions and reverse the symptom to a degree. If you do not address the weak foot muscles and form a functional arch after surgery the bunion will reform.

Hallux valgus can have a number of negative effects which include irritated skin around the bunion; pain when walking; joint redness and pain; possible shifting of the big toe towards the other toes; and the formation of blisters around the bunion site.

Problems can range in difficulty from finding proper fitting shoes (people with bunions might often buy larger sizes to accommodate the width the bunion creates), loss of balance and good posture, to severe foot pain even without the constriction of shoes. Because the joint at the base of the big toe carries most of the weight when walking, bunions can cause severe and constant pain. Those who suffer with stiff joints or arthritis can have a difficult time tolerating pain caused from bunions.

Hallux valgus can be hereditary only in people that have worn restrictive footwear from birth. It is an affliction that tends to affect women far more often than men, due to the fashion footwear that they choose to wear over a long period of time.

Treatments for the symptoms of hallux valgus can include wearing a toe spacer or bunion splint; using warm soaks, ice packs, ultrasound and massage; use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and in extreme cases, surgery.

BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Insoles can offer relief to people suffering with hallux valgus. Our non-orthotic strengthening system is the only patented product that proactively protects against bunions and rehabilitates excessive pronation. For people who excessively pronate, the big toe can be pushed toward the other toes as their foot pushes off when they walk or run. This leads to a great amount of degenerative stress at the joint of the big toe which contributes to the formation of bunions.

Just like walking barefoot in the sand or grass every step with Barefoot Science System targets the root cause of Bunions by stimulating , strengthening, and retraining the arch muscles that align the bones of the foot for optimal strength and stability prior to the foot’s contact with the ground. This ensures proper foot position at all times during ground contact, effectively and safely eliminating degenerative stresses. Our insoles not only control excessive pronation but provide extra padding underneath the ball of the foot as well.