The Truth About Bunions: What You Didn’t Inherit From Grandma

By Lisa J. Allen, PT, DPT

Do you think you inherited your bunion from your grandmother? Or maybe you blame those tight, pointy shoes?

It turns out, neither is quite true. While your grandmother’s bunion may seem like a genetic hand-me-down, what you actually inherited is her foot structure. That foot structure—if left unaddressed—leads to a bunion over time.

How Bunions Develop

Different types of feet are prone to different problems. In the case of a bunion, the culprit is often a condition called forefoot varus. This means the front of the foot is angled in relation to the heel. People with forefoot varus often have flat arches as well.

Over time, as the foot twists to compensate for this misalignment and make contact with the ground, angular forces push the big toe in the opposite direction, step after step. This repeated motion creates the classic bunion.

But here’s the good news: Bunions aren’t inevitable. By correcting your foot mechanics, you can prevent—or even partially reverse—a bunion.

Correcting Foot Mechanics: The Key to Bunion Prevention

The secret to healthy foot mechanics is simple: Bring the earth to your foot, not the other way around.

Instead of forcing your foot to twist and adapt to uneven ground, you fill the gap between your foot and the ground. Custom orthotics or insoles are the most effective way to achieve this.

At BioMechanic Physical Therapy, we take a detailed, personalized approach to crafting orthotics. Why? Because precision matters, and the more accurate the orthotic, the better it performs.

Our process starts with an extensive biomechanical exam. We gather comprehensive data about your foot structure, how your foot connects to your leg, and the angles of your ankles and knees. We also consider the types of shoes you wear and how you use your feet daily—whether you’re walking, running, or simply standing.

The Orthotic-Making Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Biomechanical Examination – We evaluate your foot’s structure and function in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions.
Casting Your Feet – Using a special technique, we cast your feet in the optimal “sub-talar neutral” position, ensuring your orthotic starts with the perfect alignment.
Fabrication – The cast and our detailed instructions are sent to a lab, where your orthotic is custom-fabricated using a model of your foot.
Fitting – Once the orthotic arrives (typically in about three weeks, though rush options are available), you bring in the shoes you plan to wear. We fit the orthotic to your footwear and ensure it’s comfortable and effective.

Orthotics are versatile and can be moved from shoe to shoe, so you don’t need multiple pairs for your favorite footwear.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re wondering whether orthotics can help you, BioMechanic Physical Therapy offers resources to guide you.

You can explore our YouTube channel for informative videos about orthotics, bunions, and more. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest tips and insights.

Whether you’re curious about foot health or looking for ways to improve your overall mobility, BioMechanic Physical Therapy has you covered.

Start your journey to pain-free feet today!