How Footscan Assessment and Orthotics Can Help with Bunions
Do you have a painful bump at the base of your big toe? You might be dealing with a bunion—a common foot condition that can affect your mobility, posture, and overall comfort.
At The Physiotherapy Place in Musselburgh and Portobello, we offer a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to bunion care, including physiotherapy, foot scan assessments, and custom orthotics designed to reduce pain and improve function.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony deformity that causes the big toe to angle inwards toward the second toe, leading to a prominent bump on the side of the foot. Over time, this can cause joint irritation, pain, swelling, and even changes in your gait or posture.
Common bunion symptoms include:
A visible bump at the base of the big toe
Pain when walking or wearing shoes
Redness, swelling, or stiffness around the joint
Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Secondary issues like calluses or toe deformities
Bunions can be caused by genetics, poor footwear, foot shape, or underlying biomechanical imbalances.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Bunions
While surgery is sometimes considered for severe bunions, physiotherapy is a highly effective conservative treatment option—especially in the early to moderate stages.
At The Physiotherapy Place, our bunion treatment includes:
Joint Mobilisation and Soft Tissue Techniques
To reduce stiffness, ease inflammation, and improve foot mobility.
Exercise Therapy
We prescribe strengthening and stretching exercises for the foot, ankle, and lower limb to correct imbalances and reduce stress on the big toe joint.
Gait and Posture Assessment
Identifying walking patterns that may be worsening your bunion and helping you adjust how you move to reduce pain.
Footwear Advice
We’ll help you choose supportive shoes that reduce bunion pressure without sacrificing style or comfort.
Why Foot Scan Assessments Matter
A foot scan assessment uses pressure-sensitive technology to analyse how your feet load during standing and walking. This is especially valuable in identifying issues like:
Overpronation (foot rolling inwards)
High pressure on the forefoot or big toe
Uneven weight distribution
Poor shock absorption
These factors often contribute to bunion development or progression—and addressing them early can make a big difference.
At our clinic, we use detailed scans to guide treatment planning and determine whether custom orthotics could be beneficial.
Custom Orthotics for Bunion Relief
Custom orthotics are specially made insoles that support your unique foot shape and improve alignment. For people with bunions, they can:
Offload pressure from the big toe joint
Improve foot and ankle mechanics
Help reduce pain during walking and standing
Slow the progression of bunion deformity
Combined with physiotherapy, orthotics can help you stay active, delay the need for surgery, and feel more comfortable in your daily activities.
Our Complete Approach to Bunion Care
At The Physiotherapy Place, we offer a full, non-surgical pathway to help you manage bunion pain and improve your foot health:
Ready to Step Forward Comfortably?
If you’re dealing with bunion pain and want to avoid surgery, book a physio-led foot scan assessment today. Let’s help you move more comfortably, every step of the way.