What stretches and exercises are recommended for hallux valgus (bunions)?

From the Guidelines

For hallux valgus, I strongly recommend a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises, along with proper footwear, to manage symptoms and potentially slow progression, as this approach has been shown to improve outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. When considering exercises, it's essential to focus on those that strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles and improve toe alignment.

• Toe stretches: gently pull your big toe into proper alignment for 10 seconds, repeating 10 times daily.
• Toe spreading: actively separate all toes and hold for 5 seconds, doing 10-15 repetitions twice daily.
• Towel scrunches: place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you for 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
• Marble pickups and resistance band exercises can further strengthen the area, as described in general foot care principles 1. It's also crucial to wear proper footwear with a wide toe box and low heels to complement these exercises, as people with bony deformities, such as bunions, may need extra-wide or deep shoes 1. Consistency is key, and performing these exercises daily, along with using toe spacers between the first and second toes during rest periods, can help maintain proper alignment and improve overall foot mechanics. In the context of hallux valgus management, prioritizing exercises and footwear that reduce pressure and promote proper toe alignment is essential for minimizing morbidity and improving quality of life, even though the provided studies 1 primarily focus on foot care in diabetes, the principles of managing bony deformities and promoting foot health are applicable.

From the Research

Stretches and Exercises for Hallux Valgus

There are no specific stretches and exercises mentioned in the provided studies for hallux valgus. However, some studies suggest the following:

• Functional stabilization of the foot by means of gymnastics or physiotherapy instructions as a preventive measure 2
• Manual therapies, physiotherapy, orthotics or orthopedic measures adopted in view of the existing pathology and suffering pressure 2
• Conservative orthopedic measures may prevent a deterioration of hallux valgus only at an early stage of the disease 3

Treatment Options

The studies suggest the following treatment options for hallux valgus:

• Conservative treatment, including orthotic management and physical therapy 2, 3, 4
• Surgical treatment, including various osteotomy techniques 5, 6
• Orthotics and insoles to improve functional stabilization 2

Important Considerations

When considering treatment for hallux valgus, the following factors should be taken into account:

• The severity of the pathology 6, 2
• The presence of arthritis in the MTP-I-joint 2
• The patient's age and suffering 2
• The postoperative mobilization possibilities of the patient 2
• Patient-specific pathologies and criteria 2