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Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment

Program for Pain and Bunion Shape Correction

 

Combining her extensive knowledge (primarily in physiotherapy, reflexology, acupressure, and the Bowen technique), Aleksandra Maksimović, MSc Physiotherapist, Master Bowen Therapist, and Reflexologist, has developed a bunion treatment program. Over ten years, the program has achieved an approximately 80% success rate with no recurrences.

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What Are Bunions?

 

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity characterized by a bump at the base of the big toe. As the bump grows, the big toe loses its normal alignment, shifting the body’s weight onto the front part of the foot. Bunions are not just a cosmetic issue but also an uncomfortable health problem.

Bunions are more common in women than in men. Statistics show that 40% of women under 40 have a misaligned big toe, with the number rising to every second person after age 50. In recent years, the number of men with this deformity has increased, attributed to wearing uncomfortable shoes with narrow or pointed toe boxes.

Why Do Bunions Form?

 

When observing bare feet on a flat surface in an upright position, most of the body’s weight is distributed onto the heel, with a smaller portion on the front of the foot. Experts have calculated that the heel bears about 65% of a person’s weight, the little toe about 25%, and the big toe approximately 10%.

Doctors warn that for every centimeter above the optimal 3 cm heel height, there is a negative impact on health. High heels contribute to foot pain, heel and toe discomfort, calf strain, knee and hip issues, as well as back and neck pain. Today, narrow shoes and high heels are considered the primary culprits behind bunion formation.

Another common cause of bunions is genetic predisposition, or heredity. Flat feet, commonly known as fallen arches, can sometimes lead to big toe deformities. Other systemic conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, may also contribute to bunion development.

How Are Bunions Treated?

There are two methods for treating bunions:

  1. Non-surgical – This is the method used at our center.
  2. Surgical or operative treatment.

The effectiveness of the method developed by Aleksandra Maksimović, Senior Therapist and Reflexologist, is demonstrated by the success of thousands of patients. Her approach combines reflexology, ultrasound therapy, and Bowen massage. Most of her patients leave her practice extremely satisfied.

Bunion Treatment with Bowen Therapy Includes:

  • Relieving pain and redness in the big toe joint and surrounding area.
  • Correcting foot shape and improving support.
  • Enhancing posture and balancing the pelvis-foot relationship.
  • Using herbal foot baths to relax inflamed feet and break down bunion deformities.
  • Targeted exercises to strengthen big toe muscles.
  • Applying herbal tinctures and creams to soften bunions and nourish the skin of the soles.

Treatment Schedule:

  • Conducted once a week for 60 minutes.
  • Alternatively, daily sessions, depending on the condition of the bunions, age, and other priorities.

Who and When We Can Help with Bunions:

  • Pain in the big toe joint: Dull, irritating pain constantly “simmering” in the joint area or sharp pain resembling a stabbing sensation in a single spot.
  • Inflamed big toe joint with swollen and red skin around it.
  • Severe pain in the ball of the foot beneath the 2nd and 3rd toes.
  • Pain in the inner arch of the foot.
  • Swollen, painful feet sensitive to touch.
  • Cold feet.
  • Heel pain.
  • Calf pain and cramps.
  • Lower back pain (sacral area).
  • Disturbed gait and body posture.
  • Flat feet.

The Treatment is Performed by Aleksandra Maksimović
MSc Physiotherapist, Master Bowen Therapist, Reflexologist

„“I use reflexology to uncover the root cause of bunions and the Bowen technique to reset the body and restore its posture. Bunions are merely a protective reaction of an unstable body, serving as an extension of support. My work focuses on the resorption of this secondary formation while simultaneously providing the body with the stimulus to regain a healthy posture and alignment.”
Aleksandra Maksimović
**Master of Physiotherapy**

Even after the first treatment, an overall improvement in the body’s condition can be felt, including reduced pain in the back, knees, hips, and feet, improved circulation, and enhanced mood.

There are no contraindications for the Bowen technique. It can be used by pregnant women, newborns, and individuals of all ages.

In developed countries, it is commonly used as a preventive method.

Why Do Bunions Form? Bunion Treatment in Progress

M., 65 years old. Painful, inflamed, and pronounced bunions—initial condition and then after 3 months of treatment. Therapy and changes are still ongoing.

Before and After 8 Months of Weekly Therapy

 

Developmental Process of Bunions in Slavica (52):
Over the course of 14 therapy sessions (conducted twice a week), we achieved a smaller bunion, a straightened big toe, and improved flexibility in the metatarsal area and big toe joint. Our goal is for the bunion to disappear entirely, as we have addressed the root cause of its formation.

Results for Nenad After 10 Therapy Sessions

Nenad arrived at the center with a painful grimace.
“My foot hurts terribly in the bunion area! I can’t wear anything; every shoe bothers me. I feel like going barefoot! You don’t understand what kind of paaaain this is! If you can fix this pain, I’ll be forever grateful!”

This is how it started… I asked him if he would remember what he said at the beginning, because the pain would go away. However, the bunions wouldn’t disappear as quickly.

Nenad continues attending therapy sessions and is extremely satisfied with the appearance of his feet. The bunion is now barely noticeable.

Results for Alen After 5 Therapy Sessions:

  • Absence of pain
  • Improved flexibility in the foot
  • Reduced bunion inflammation
  • Diminished redness on the bunion
  • A sense of lightness in the foot and body

The Developmental Path of a Bunion

 

The body operates according to instructions—a natural design or blueprint embedded within each of us. The inner healer works flawlessly when it receives the right signals. It is ready to listen and eliminate anything unnecessary.

It is essential to follow and listen to your body’s signals and provide support to achieve desired results. The success of therapy depends on us.

lečenje čukljeva bez operacije u centru alvita plus

It is common for changes to occur on the skin of the foot during bunion treatment. Depending on the size of the bunion, the skin stretches.

After bunion reduction, this stretched skin often becomes visible and can present an aesthetic concern that clients also wish to address.

For us, the excess skin is an indicator of the progress made in reducing the bunion. More stretched skin suggests that the bunion was quite large.

Morton's Neuroma – Morton's Disease

 

Wearing tight, high-heeled shoes often causes foot problems.

Pain between the third and fourth toes can appear suddenly, feeling like a stabbing sensation. The only immediate relief is to remove the shoe.

Irritation caused by uncomfortable tight shoes, prolonged standing, or running can lead to inflammation and swelling of the nerve in this region. The swollen, enlarged nerve lacks space between the metatarsal bones, often resulting in unbearable pain.

Morton’s neuroma affects both men and women. In addition to tight footwear, the condition is common among sprinters with elongated toes.

At Alvita Plus, we aim to alleviate this painful foot condition with non-invasive techniques, helping you once again think about wearing elegant shoes.

Hammer Toes

 

Hammer toes are a deformity of the toes characterized by their shortening (curling) due to insufficient space in footwear, genetic factors, or certain rheumatic conditions (arthritis). Contracted toe tendons often lead to calluses (clavus) and corns on the tips of shortened, raised joint surfaces.

Along with bunions, hammer toes contribute to the deformity known as Hallux Valgus. Correcting this deformity can be a challenging task, especially if the individual is unwilling to change their footwear habits.

Recommendations:

  • Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a heel height of 2-6 cm.
  • Passive kinesitherapy techniques, physical therapy, and joint manipulation can help straighten contracted tendons.
Haglundova peta

Haglund’s Heel

 

Haglund’s deformity, also known as a “heel bump” or “retrocalcaneal bursitis,” refers to the enlargement of bony tissue on the back of the heel bone (calcaneus) where the Achilles tendon attaches. This condition was first described by Patrick Haglund in 1928.

It is more common in women and often affects both feet.

Common Symptoms:

  • Enlargement of bony tissue at the back of the heel, noticeable as a bony protrusion that is very sensitive even to gentle touch.
  • This enlargement can irritate the surrounding soft tissues, leading to inflammation and pain.
  • The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is often irritated and inflamed due to its proximity to the bony growth.
  • Bursitis as a result of inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa—a fluid-filled sac located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone—causes additional pain and discomfort.

Footwear-Related Causes:

Haglund’s deformity is often linked to wearing tight, stiff shoes that press against the back of the heel, such as high heels or rigid athletic shoes (e.g., football boots).

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

 

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that wraps around and supports the muscles in the sole of the foot.

The plantar fascia is a broad ligament running along the underside of the foot, from the heel bone to the toes. Its primary function is to maintain the arches of the foot.

During intense physical activities, such as prolonged running, walking, or standing—especially with inadequate footwear or certain predispositions—the ligament can become inflamed. This inflammation most often occurs at its attachment to the heel bone, resulting in localized heel pain. The pain can also radiate towards the inner or front side of the foot.

Heel spurs develop as a result of calcium deposits forming a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. The calcium buildup process takes several months. Bone-forming cells gradually migrate to areas of repetitive pressure or microtrauma, accumulating calcium to protect the surrounding tissue.

Heel spurs form due to excessive strain on foot muscles and ligaments, overstretching of the plantar fascia, or continuous tearing of the membrane covering the heel bone.

Planatarni fascitis i petni trn

Foot Deformities Impact Overall Health

 

The foot is the final part of the lower extremity. It must be statically strong enough to support the entire body weight and dynamically adaptable to surfaces by absorbing shocks, enabling standing, walking, and running.

The foot consists of 26 bones interconnected by strong ligaments and supported by long and short muscles. While standing and walking, the foot relies on three main support points: the heel and two points on the 1st and 5th metatarsal bones (beneath the big and little toes).

The formation of foot arches begins when a child starts standing and walking and becomes fully defined by the second year of life.

 

The stability of the hips and arches of the feet is maintained by the shape of the bones and a strong ligament system. Foot muscles ensure a functionally normal shape and elasticity of the feet.

As long as the musculature functions well, with coordinated muscle activity and functional balance, the shape of the feet remains normal. However, when muscles weaken due to illness, injury, overexertion, or improper footwear, the feet lose their support and stability.

 

A foot examination begins with an assessment of the entire body, comparing the left and right sides. Various issues in the spine, hips, and knees can influence foot problems.

The medical history (anamnesis) must be thorough, particularly regarding pain, fatigue, cramps, and swelling. During the examination, the skin color and tension are observed, and any potential edema (swelling) is noted. Through palpation, the warmth of the skin, pulse, possible atrophy, and fibrotic changes in the muscle tissue are assessed.

The shape of the foot is examined both in a seated position, when the foot is unloaded, and in a standing position, when it is bearing weight.

 

Foot deformities can be categorized as congenital (inborn) and acquired.

Acquired static deformities are caused by the lifestyle, movement, and work habits of modern humans.

The transition from quadrupedal movement to upright walking on two legs has particularly emphasized changes in the feet. What was once an auxiliary organ for grasping evolved into an independent organ responsible for supporting standing and movement.

When humans walked barefoot or in sandals, the foot naturally adapted to uneven surfaces, providing essential functional stimuli to maintain flexibility and strength. However, with the advent of civilization—smooth asphalt roads, uniform walking on flat surfaces, and prolonged standing in industrial, commercial, medical, and educational settings—several harmful effects and deformities emerged, collectively known as static deformities.

One of the most common deformities is flat feet, a result of imbalance between the foot’s strength and its load. Flat feet can range from mildly flattened arches to severely flattened arches, often accompanied by deformation of the bone structures.

 

  • Fatigue and a feeling of heaviness and tension in the legs
  • Pain in the feet, lower legs, and thighs
  • Lower back pain
  • Frequent occurrence of static edema in the feet

 

  • Alternating foot baths before bedtime, following a defined protocol.
  • Spending time in nature, walking barefoot on grass or sand during summer.
  • Corrective foot exercises to strengthen muscles and improve arch support.
  • Wearing orthopedic shoes with the following characteristics:
    • Heel height of 2 cm for men and up to 4 cm for women.
    • Soles should be soft and flexible.
    • Toe boxes should be wide enough to allow free toe movement.

Narrow, pointed shoes push toes together, leading to shortened tendons, overlapping toes, corns, calluses, and similar issues.

For children, it is especially important that shoe soles are soft and elastic to avoid damage to the short muscles of the soles and restrictions in joint mobility.

Corrective medical gymnastics is crucial for children, as it is physiologically necessary and essential for supporting proper growth and development.

 

Yes, they can engage in sports that strengthen muscles without causing fatigue or worsening the condition due to increased body weight. Recommended activities include hiking and swimming.

However, activities such as ice skating, rollerblading, long jumping, marathon running, and long marches are not advisable.

It is also recommended to use custom-made orthopedic insoles or wear orthopedic footwear tailored to individual needs.

 

Some of the most common foot deformities include heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and, most notably, Hallux Valgus, commonly known as bunions.

Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

Bunions are more prevalent in women (up to 90%) but are also increasingly seen in men, particularly those with flat feet.

The inner side of the lower half of the head of the first metatarsal bone protrudes, leading to the development of either a mucous sac with inflammation or an enlargement of connective tissue. As the condition progresses, the big toe becomes increasingly misaligned, sometimes bending up to 90 degrees, becoming rigid, and often developing arthritis and severe pain over time.

Toe displacement can also occur, with the big toe overlapping the next toe or sliding underneath it. The formation of bunions is thoroughly explained in medical terms.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp, stabbing pain in the big toe joint
  • Pain in the sole beneath the first and second toes
  • Pain at the base of the big toe
  • Dull, throbbing pain in the feet
  • Heel pain
  • Inability to wear shoes due to inflammation and swelling of the big toe joint

These pains can reflexively lead to additional discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back.

 

Various physical medical procedures can assist, focusing on non-invasive treatment models. One of the methods used at our center is medical acupressure and foot massage, performed by a qualified professional. This method alleviates pain and inflammation while gradually addressing the shape and size of the bunion and overall foot deformity.

In addition to foot treatments, it is essential to improve the body’s overall posture and balance. This involves spinal and leg correction therapy, a non-invasive approach that stimulates the body’s self-healing and complete regulation via the nervous and hormonal systems, ultimately achieving a comprehensive correction of the musculoskeletal system.

Additional Recommendations:

  • At-home protocol: Includes foot baths and corrective exercises for the muscles of the big toe and the entire foot.
  • Footwear: Carefully selected shoes made of soft leather with a mandatory heel height of 2-4 cm. Flat shoes are not recommended.
  • Orthopedic insoles: Custom-made corrective insoles tailored to individual needs.

Surgical Considerations:

There are diverse opinions on surgical indications and numerous types of surgeries available. Aleksandra Maksimović emphasizes her preference for non-invasive methods that empower individuals to take charge of their own health and halt the progression of the condition.

However, if the condition has significantly advanced, surgery may be the final solution. She advises caution, noting the potential consequences and the postoperative recovery period required for full rehabilitation.

Before and after

Video -bunion treatment

ANNOUNCEMENT

The First School for Bunion Treatment

 

After 10 years of intensive work at the Balans Medika Center and treating thousands of patients, I am excited to announce the preparation of the very first School for Bunion Treatment!

Expert Team Led by Aleksandra Maksimović
MSc Physiotherapist, Master Bowen Therapist, Reflexologist

 

Congresses

 

Congresses are venues where you can hear about advancements in the field that interests you. I presented the AllMax concept at a professional gathering of physiotherapists in Skopje, alongside colleagues from the former Yugoslavia. It was inspiring to hear how they passionately share innovations in physiotherapy in their native languages. Similar, yet different—enough to sharpen focus and direct attention to the topic at hand.

The scientific statistics I presented provide credibility for offering this concept as a foundation for broader physiotherapy education at universities. The global trend is the innovative integration of physiotherapy with manual techniques.

At Alvita Plus, we align with this wave of innovation, offering the best healthcare services with the vision of expanding this knowledge beyond the borders of Serbia.

Pain Relief Therapy

What is the BOWEN Technique?

 

The Bowen technique is one of the leading discoveries of the 21st century.
It is a holistic therapy that resets the body, enabling it to heal itself!

Our Body’s Ability to Heal Itself

Our body has the innate ability to heal itself, as long as it achieves complete relaxation—a principle proven by the Bowen philosophy.

How Is This Achieved?

The Bowen technique is a completely new concept for working with the human body. It is not derived from any other form of physical therapy and bears no resemblance to them.

The Bowen technique involves gentle movements applied to specific points on the body, awakening our inner healer to initiate the self-healing process. Results can be remarkable, often noticeable after the first session, with the body continuing its self-healing for several days thereafter.

Therapy for Everyone

The Bowen technique can be applied to people of all ages. It does not rely on the therapist’s strength; instead, the therapist uses gentle movements to help the body activate its own self-healing energy.

This technique provides exceptional relaxation for athletes, pregnant women, and individuals with special needs. It addresses the body on chemical, mental, physical, and emotional levels.

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What Else Do We Offer?

The Bowen technique has shown positive results in addressing the following conditions:

 

  • Acute neurological and psychosomatic illnesses
  • Joint and muscle disorders
  • All types of sports injuries
  • Stress, depression, and chronic fatigue
  • Allergies and autoimmune disorders
  • Neurological disorders, Parkinson’s disease, stroke
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia and anxiety
  • Hormonal imbalances and menstrual pain
  • Back pain, sciatica, and spinal deformities
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Circulatory disorders
  • Back pain during pregnancy
  • Infant cramps and colic…

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HEALING BUNIONS WITHOUT SURGERY

Without BLOOD, without KNIFE, without lengthy POSTOPERATIVE rehabilitation.