Welcome! Active Alignment has merged with Ortho-Kinetics to expand our service area. While Brad Gibbs remains on as a Pedorthic Consultant, Jen Gulas C. Ped (C) and Patrick Purves C. Ped (C) will be providing pedorthic care in the Cambridge and Oakville locations in addition to the existing Active Alignment locations in Waterloo, New Hamburg, and Stratford. Ortho-Kinetics patients, please click here to learn more.
BUNIONS
Characteristics of Bunions:
A bony enlargement or bump located on the side of the big toe joint or the baby toe joint (bunionette).
Bunions and Bunionettes are often irritated and made more painful by tight fitting shoes which cause pressure and friction to the area.
Bunions are most often caused by poor biomechanics and/or inherited foot structure. These factors make certain individuals prone to developing these deformities.
Improper choice in footwear can exacerbate poor mechanics and make the deformity progressively worse.
Characteristics of Hallux Valgus
This is a change in bony alignment of the big toe. It is identified as the shift of the big toe toward the smaller toes. It is often improperly identified as a Bunion, but frequently coexists with a Bunion.
When the arch collapses or the foot pronates, the big toe will rotate and shift towards the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This abnormal motion moves the bones out of alignment. This shift in alignment reduces the ability of the foot to balance and stabilize.
Hallux Valgus is most often caused by poor biomechanics, chronic ligamentous injuries, and/or inherited foot structure. These factors make certain individuals prone to developing this deformity.
Improper choice in footwear can exacerbate poor mechanics and make the deformity progressively worse.
Active Alignment Treatment Options for Bunions and Hallux Valgus:
– Custom Foot Orthotics
– Bunion Night Splint
– Footwear Modification
– Correct Toes and Toe Spacers
– Therapeutic Footwear
– Therapeutic Massage Ball
– Resistance Bands
– Stretching with targeted exercises for intrinsic arch strength including videos