If you have noticed a hard, bony protrusion forming at the base of your big toe, you are likely dealing with a Hallux Valgus, more commonly known as a bunion.

While many people in South Croydon initially view bunions as a cosmetic concern or a minor annoyance when buying shoes, they are actually a progressive structural deformity. Left untreated, a bunion doesn’t just change the look of your foot; it fundamentally alters the way you move.

How a Bunion Disrupts Your Natural Gait

Your big toe plays a critical role in “propulsion”, the phase of walking where you push off the ground. When a bunion develops, the big toe leans inward toward the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base to stick out.

This structural shift causes several issues for your foot health:

• Weight Redistribution: Instead of your weight rolling through the big toe, it shifts to the smaller, weaker joints. This often leads to painful calluses or “metatarsalgia” (pain in the ball of the foot).
• Balance Issues: As the foot becomes less stable, you may find yourself feeling “unsteady,” particularly when walking on the uneven pavements around Purley or Sanderstead.
• Compensatory Pain: To avoid the pain in your toe, you may subconsciously change your stride, leading to secondary aches in your knees, hips, or lower back.

Why See a Podiatrist Instead of Just Changing Shoes?

While wider shoes can offer temporary relief, they do not fix the underlying misalignment. As expert podiatrists in Croydon, we look at the “why” behind the bump. Bunions are often caused by inherited foot types or poor biomechanics rather than just “tight shoes.”

At our South Croydon foot clinic, we provide comprehensive chiropody and podiatry care to manage bunions, including:

• Biomechanical Assessments: To see exactly how the bunion is affecting your gait.
• Custom Orthotics: Specialist insoles designed to realign the foot and take the pressure off the painful joint.
• Padding and Shielding: To prevent irritation and skin breakdown over the bony prominence.

Expert Foot Care in South Croydon

You don’t have to live with the discomfort of a bony bump or a restricted lifestyle. Whether you’ve noticed the early signs of a leaning toe or you’re struggling with chronic pain, our foot clinic is perfectly situated to serve the local community.

If you are searching for a chiropodist who understands the complexities of foot structure, we are here to help you walk comfortably again.