Understanding and Treating Bunion Pain Naturally | Kore Chiropractic Insights

Understanding and Treating Bunion Pain Naturally

Hallux Valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is a bony bump that develops on the inside of the foot where the big toe meets the rest of the foot — at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Over time, this deformity causes the big toe to shift outward, pressing against the smaller toes and changing the foot’s natural alignment.

While the exact cause of bunions isn’t fully understood, they’re often linked to abnormal foot biomechanics, especially during childhood development or from repetitive stress on the big toe — such as wearing high heels, narrow shoes, or pointed footwear. Genetics may also play a role, although this hasn’t been fully proven.

In many cases, bunions cause minimal discomfort at first, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications such as bursitis, arthritis, metatarsalgia, hammertoes, or even loss of balance, often resulting in the need for surgery later on.

Most people manage bunion pain with pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, braces, or surgery—but these options only address the symptoms. The truth is, your feet directly influence your posture and alignment throughout the entire body. When the lower extremities function improperly, they create structural weaknesses and muscle imbalances that contribute to chronic pain.

One of the most common misalignments linked with bunions is ankle overpronation—when the ankle rolls inward, causing the arch to collapse. This forces the big toe to overwork with each step, worsening the bunion over time.

Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution to help correct misalignments and restore proper biomechanics in the spine, hips, knees, and feet. By mobilizing the joints and reducing stress on the big toe, chiropractic adjustments can slow bunion progression and ease discomfort.

In addition, custom orthotics can help support the ankle in a neutral position, improving foot mechanics and reducing repetitive strain. Implementing these corrections early can prevent future complications, relieve pain, and support long-term spinal alignment.