My prom was coming up and I wanted to have these shoes from that magazine. But back then, to order from a magazine was very expensive and hard. It was not the norm. So my mom took me to a shoe maker and he made them for me. When I tried them on for the first time, I was horrified! One shoe was a perfect fit but the other was big on me. That is how I found out that my left foot is shorter than the right. And I lived with it until recently!

Here is what happened

A client came to me with severe hamstring and IT-band pain. Through the examination, she shared that she has a painful bunion (bony bump on the outside of the big toe). When I asked her if she was taking care of it she showed me literally one million tools she has bought online to make it feel better. But... nothing worked so far. She said that she was born that way and nothing will change the joint deformity.

This pushed me to the next level immediately. I was determined to figure it out.

I had a similar issue, very mild but still an issue. I started to peel layer by layer all the changes of muscles, tendons, ligaments, strength and weakness, foot arches, joints mobility.

The foot is very complex mechanical structure with 33 joints and 26 muscles and a big supportive system of ligaments and tendons.

Going through this complexity, I discovered that the belief I lived with for decades "I was born with one foot shorter in length than the other” is not true. I discovered that my feet are a big mess - and so were the client’s.

OK, I lived with this idea for so many years until now. I know that I was not born like that. I know why this has happened to the foot and I am working on fixing it.

I would like to share some key points if you are dealing with a painful bunion.

Bunion Triggers

Hereditary - some foot shapes and structures are more prone to bunions more than others (that does not mean that you can not do anything about it)
Shoes with narrow front
Arch changes- there are 3 main arches 2 longitudinal and 1 transverse
Loose joints, joints blockages
Incorrect walking - distribution of weight, center of weight
How you use your toes during activities
Injury
As a compensation mechanism because of other pain in the body
As a result of muscle misbalance, misalignment

Where to start from

Examine your feet- callus (hard skin) build ups
Look at your shoes for uneven wear
Evaluate your stance - do you distribute weight evenly, center of weight

Every one has different ways to compensate, change their alignment and of course that requires a customized approach based on the specific needs. It is the same issue but there is no universal treatment.

Start small, "Less is more"

3 Things to start with:

Calf stretch - off of a step or stair - hold onto something for balance, place the foot you want to stretch on the edge of the stair through the ball of the foot and drop the heel down. The other foot is completely on the same stair. Be sure your body is not leaning forward, your weight is going through your heel - hold for 30 sec and do this 3 times. Do it through the day anytime you remember.
Bottle roll - find a beer bottle and start rolling your foot over it - you can do this sitting or standing, depends on the depth you want to reach
Grab all the toes from the front with your hand and pull gently - release - 10 times

Bonus: massage the inner side of the big toe gently in a circular motion

Tips: the toe dividers do not work the specific exercises do the magic

The goal: No pain, No surgery

Would you like to schedule a free intro call? I would be happy to hear where you are and what you are trying to accomplish!

At the end of our conversation I would talk about how I can help you!

How does that sound to you?