| Q:
Bunions run in my family and it seems to me that I have always had
these small bumps in the "bunion area" nearest to my large
toe, which I just thought were normal. Then I was fitted with a
pair of poitne shoes that were much too narrow for me and I began
experiencing pain in those bumps, which began growing larger, causing
my toe to shift. All of this occurred in the course of only one
week! I realize now that these are bunions and even though I have
been dancing pointe classes on demi-pointe for the last week, they
are still growing bigger. Today I bought a pair of pointe shoes
as well as some toe spacers. I hear so many different stories about
bunions and I wonder if they are true. Are bunions permanent? Can
they be reversed at my age (14)? Can they be treated without surgery?
Any answers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
A:
Dear Dancer,
Don't worry. There is a lot you can do to prevent bunions from
getting worse and even reverse them to some extent. Surgery is
not an option for anyone continuing to pursue dancing. There is
a hereditary factor that you can do nothing about, but you can
change technique factors that cause bunions. The main thing to
correct is the tendency to roll (arches dropping down and in)
when on flat foot and too much winging when on demi or full pointe.
Rolling puts more pressure on the big toe joint, causing it to
shift and protrude more. Toe spacers are helpful, the soft kind
(gel, foam) not the hard rubber. Taping can also be helpful to
provide support to the big toe joint and to keep the big toe lined
up straight with its metatarsal. Properly fitting shoes are essential.
If you have a set back and the bunion gets inflamed, ice it for
10 to 15 minutes, twice a day.
Sincerely,
Katy Keller
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