Understanding Bunions: The Role of Footwear w/ Physiotherapist Melanie Prusker

In this conversation, Melanie shares her journey into physiotherapy and her insights on foot health, particularly focusing on bunions and hallux valgus. The discussion delves into the impact of footwear on foot health, the importance of understanding bunions, and the findings from Melanie's research on the causes and treatments of bunions. The conversation emphasizes the role of footwear in the development of bunions and offers practical advice for maintaining foot health. Guest Links: You can read Melanie's research thesis here. Helpful Links: TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. Follow The Foot Collective: INSTAGRAMTIKTOKYOUTUBEFACEBOOK---Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.CHAPTERS:0:00 – Bunions: More Than Just Genetics? 0:48 – Why Natural Footwear Changed Everything 2:02 – Where to Start: The Free Foot Health Assessment 3:08 – Meet Melanie Prusker: Her Journey to Physio & Foot Health 4:28 – The Instagram Post That Changed Everything 5:59 – How Geriatric Care Opened Melanie’s Eyes to Feet 7:05 – Melanie’s Personal Foot Story & Lessons from Going Barefoot 8:11 – Treating Plantar Fasciitis in a Shoe-Centric Culture 9:54 – Why Education (and Foot Tracing!) Works with Patients 11:04 – What Exactly is a Bunion or Hallux Valgus? 12:15 – Research: Any Toe Deviation = Hallux Valgus 13:12 – Melanie’s Scoping Review of Bunion Research 20:04 – Study #1: Bunions Improve After 12 Weeks in Wide Shoes 25:03 – Study #2: Even Ancestors Develop Bunions in Modern Shoes 30:00 – Study #3: Bunions Rose as Traditional Shoes Declined in Japan 33:48 – Study #4: Twin Study – It's Not Just Genetics 39:13 – Study #5 & 6: Barefoot vs. Shod Populations 45:03 – The Final Verdict: Footwear’s Role in Bunions 46:39 – Why Foot Pain Wrecks Quality of Life 47:58 – Shoes Should Match Your Foot Shape – It’s That Simple 50:03 – Would You Wear Gloves All Day? Why We Do That to Feet 53:05 – Not Just Genetics: Many Factors Influence Bunions 54:49 – Surgery as a Last Resort – and When It Fails 57:00 – Rehab vs Surgery: When is Surgery Actually Needed? 59:01 – Melanie’s Final Advice: What You Can Start Doing Today 1:00:29 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Learn More