What is a bunion? An excessive pronation of the subtalar joint together with a short first metatarsal is the most common biomechanical factor. As the foot pronates, the centre of gravity moves onto the big toe (hallux) during the ‘toe off’ phase of gait. This also increases the weight on the first metatarsal in an adduct direction and rotation of the shaft takes place. The hallux compensates by abducting towards the smaller toes and the joint must get bigger to accommodate the added weight. A hammer toe can often develop on the second toe. Some bunions are caused by arthritis or trauma. Footwear is not always the most common cause.
Presented here is Case Study M, where the client has had a large bunion. Through reflexology and using the specialist Bowtech products the bunion has reduced considerably and joints are less painful.
Case Study M is 80 years old and started reflexology with Helen in 1999 after being diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in her spine. It is now in her knees and feet. She is able to walk short distances and to drive a car. Her GP has encouraged her to continue with reflexology as she enjoys her three-weekly sessions, saying that it keeps her moving!
Initial observation revealed a bunion on both feet, larger on the right side, hammer toes with the right second toe raised to accommodate the big toe joint displacement. She had hard skin on the ball of her right foot, calluses and redness on big toes, second and fourth toes.
At the first session reflexes found to be tender included lumber and sacral spine, hips, knees and solar plexus. Her feet were generally tense with stiff toes. Thumb walking was applied over the bunion area on the right foot, recommendation of the bunion ointment for her to use at home and a foot soak using Bowtech Crystals. There was a review after six months, when she reported that her bunion was no longer feeling so painful. M continued monthly treatments and an entry one year later notes circulation is better in legs and feet, while the bunion on her right foot has significantly reduced in size.
Conclusion
After ten years, the bunion is so much smaller (see photo)and M reports arthritic aches and pains subside immediately after a session. The conclusion is that a three- weekly period between sessions suits M’s arthritic health conditions and the use of products at home certainly helps.
Quote from M:
“I have enjoyed reflexology for ten years, when I first came I suffered from stiffness in my back, my left knee and a painful bunion on my right foot. I had difficulty walking and buying shoes. I am now able to buy fashionable shoes and walk more easily.”
News Date: 10/08/2009