BUNIONS ("HALLUX VALGUS")


“…it depends on each of us to change it today and the future genetics will change.”
 
Bunions (“Hallux Valgus”, named by Carl Heuter in 1870) are a bump, sometimes with additional bone growth, painful or not, on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This bump is caused by a medial deviation of the head of the first metatarsal and a deviation of the big toe (Hallux) towards the other toes. Normally, is considered a deviation with more than 15 degrees. The big toe abducts and often rotates; the lesser toes can be affected also resulting in corn formations.  
A consequence of “Hallux Valgus” is the formation of additional bone. The head of metatarsal on the medial side of the MTP joint enlarges forming an “exostosis”. Bunions can also become inflamed, increasing the pain.
It is a very common foot condition in adults, with a higher incidence in women.
 
How does a bunion occur?
There are two possible situations:
  1. Due to deviation of the big toe: this can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight in the front. This type of bunion is easier to treat and eventually to correct;
  2. And/or due to changes in the 1st angle at the base of the first metatarsal, at the joint with the medial cuneiform: here the cause is usually associated with instability and hypermobility (weakness in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet and legs) with a tendency towards pronation (inclination of the foot towards the medial side). This type of bunion is more difficult to correct, but it is possible to prevent its progression.
 
Only an X-ray can accurately identify the type of bunion.

What are the reflex areas involved?
In the bunion area – the MTP joint – consider the following reflex areas (RA):
  • RA of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine (vertebrae C5 to T1), which corresponds to the brachial plexus. It is important to pay attention to the muscles, organs, and glands innervated by two nerves with roots in this area of ​​the spine. The thyroid gland, which extends along the anterior part of the neck between C5 and T1, is particularly noteworthy.
  • RA of the Trachea and RA of the Lungs – respiratory system.
  • RA of the Esophagus – digestive system.
If there is a deviation in the joint between the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform (1st angle), the following RA should be considered:
  • RA of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine (vertebrae T11 to L2) and the respective muscles, organs, and glands.
  • RA of the Liver, Pancreas, Stomach and Pylorus.
  • RA of the Solar Plexus.
The identification of reflex areas (RA) in these areas of the foot may vary depending on the maps used by each Reflexologist.
Some sources of REFLEXOLOGY maps that I´ve used here to identify the RA: Hanne Marquardt, Orlando Volpe, Touchpoint
 
Does REFLEXOLOGY can help with bunions?
YES!  Foot and orthopedic REFLEXOLOGY can help in both cases listed above.
By applying specific mobilization techniques adapted to each client, the aim is to:
  • Progressively align soft tissues and joints without causing damage;
  • Reduce any muscle stiffness;
  • Move the joints according to the necessary alignment;
  • Strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments:
    • related to instability in the joint between the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform (1st angle), with emphasis on the muscles originating from the legs;
    • related to the (MTP) metatarsophalangeal joint.
It is important to work on the bunion area, which is somehow fragile, and on the joint between the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform (1st angle), if necessary. By working on these areas, we are stimulating the respective reflex areas (RA), which may correspond to one or more vulnerabilities in the body.
One of the consequences of this treatment is the reduction of bunion inflammation, relieving the pain.
I believe that, more than preventing progression, REFLEXOLOGY, along with daily exercises and other care, can improve bunions.
 
What is the emotional meaning of bunions?
Bunions can indicate a certain vulnerability and weakness in relation to the world around the person. It can be "obstacles" that somehow lead the person to deviate from his/her dreams and goals.
There is a genetic predisposition to this condition. However, it depends on each of us to change it today and the future genetics will change.

​Raquel Dora Pinho, Dezembro 2025