Have you seen anyone in sandals with their toes hanging over the side?  This is a Bunion.  Bunions are a malformed bony bump on the outside portion of the big toe.  It becomes enlarged and angles toward the second toe putting pressure on the foot.  This can be very painful. So how does this happen?  Wearing shoes that are not supportive or move properly which leads to a person "toeing off" on the outside of the toe. In the past, we were barefoot walking on dirt, sand and soft surfaces.  Now we walk on hard surfaces and put a lot more force on the foot leading to dropping of the arch , Plantar Fasciitis and Bunions. Here are the symptoms of a bunion:

• Bump or angulation on the outside of the first toe
• Swelling, redness and tenderness of the big toe
• Thickening of the skin on the bottom of your foot under the big toe
• Corns or calluses
• Pain of the first toe
• Restricted movement

Women are more likely to get bunions because of wearing high heels or shoes that don't fit properly. Improper shoes can cause foot problems because the big toe begins to push on other toes and tissues. Doctors that do not specialize in the management and function of extremities may not know that bunion formation can be caused by several dysfunctions of the foot.  Bad body mechanics may go unnoticed until symptoms become more prominent.  Improper walking or standing puts added stress on the foot and prevents toes from moving and gliding the way they should. Wearing shoes that are too tight or loose can get bones stuck together and prevent the toes from functioning normally.  Now the foot, ankle, knees and hips begin to pay the price.   Many people have been told there is nothing that can be done to change or manage this problem except tape the toe, put a divider between the big toe and second toe or have surgery where part of the toe is shaved off.  This is just a short term solution and will result in further destruction of the foot. At Precise Moves Chiropractic we specialize in extremities and can help you relieve foot problems and help you walk and stand better resulting in less pain and stress on your foot.  We can also teach you the right things to do for your feet so you don't continue to have problems. Give our San Carlos, CA Chiropractic office a call today to start your journey to long term health!