Alpha
Orthotics dedicates last week of Foot Health Awareness month to build awareness
of bunions.
Tiburon, CA – April 26, 2011 – Alpha Orthotics dedicates this
last week of Foot Health Awareness month to build awareness of bunions (Hallux valgus),
one of the most common foot ailments affecting over 80 million people in the
U.S. By providing the straight truth about four popular bunion myths, Alpha
Orthotics Corp. corrects misperceptions about bunions.
Myth #1: Bunions are caused by wearing
pointy-toe high-heeled shoes.
The Straight Truth: Contrary to popular belief, bunions
are not primarily caused by wearing tight, “pointy-toed” shoes and/or
high heels
(over 1.5”) – although doing so may substantially contribute to the
further progression of a bunion. Most bunion sufferers are genetically
predisposed toward bunions. Genetic causes that can lead to bunions include
weak connective tissues in the foot, as well as “load deformities” such as
flatfoot and splayfoot. These deformities as well as excessive
pronation where the foot rolls inward can place too much pressure on the big
toe joint causing the big toe to bend towards the second toe and develop into
Hallux valgus.
Myth #2: Only older women have bunions.
The Straight Truth: Although those who suffer from
bunions are more common in elderly women, bunions affect both men and women of
all ages. A recent global study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle
Research reported that females (30%) were 2.3 times greater than males
(13%) to have Hallux valgus. Prevalence increased with age in both women and
men: 15% of juvenile (under 18 years old) girls and 5.7% of juvenile boys,
26.3% of adult (ages 18 -65) women and 8.5% of adult men, and 36% of elderly
(over 65 years old) women and 16% of elderly men. “Learning
about bunions and bunion treatments is not just for the elderly, rather, early
detection and preventive care should begin during the teenage and young adult
years,” according to Gaby Federal, President of Alpha Orthotics.
Myth #3: Nothing can be done to correct a
bunion.
The Straight Truth: A bunion is not a disease;
therefore, it cannot be “cured.” However the initial development and further
progression of the deformity can be prevented with the consistent use of a
bunion splint, such as Bunion Aid®,
that supports the three arches while pulling the big toe away from the second
toe. During a Q & A session, Markus Striebeck DC, DABCO remarks, “I
have added Bunion Aid as part of my bunion management regiment. Bunion Aid
offers an advantage during the straightening process because it pulls the big
toe over laterally through the range of motion of the big toe joint.”
Myth #4: Bunion surgery makes a bunion and
bunion pain disappear.
The Straight Truth: Although many bunion surgeries
successful remove advanced bunions and straighten the big toe, in some cases,
the bunion will reappear. The recurrence of a bunion can be prevented by
ongoing use of a bunion splint that maintains the surgical fixation while
walking. “Most surgeons recommend wearing a bunion splint while healing from
bunion surgery. However, frequently walking in a hinged, supportive splint,
like Bunion Aid, during the weeks, even months after surgery will help prevent
the recurrence of a bunion,” explains Ms. Federal.
For more
facts about bunions and popular bunion treatments, a series of
complimentary eBooks are available through Alpha Orthotics.
About Alpha Orthotics Corp
Alpha Orthotics Corp. (http://www.alphaorthotics.com) is a
wholly owned subsidiary of German Hallufix Corporation. Alpha Orthotics markets and sells patented,
German-engineered non-invasive orthotic products directly to consumers and to
the medical community. Alpha Orthotics is committed to informing people about
Hallux valgus by providing information about foot health and preventive treatments.
