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:
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
---
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