Bunions

Bunion Treatment - How Correctors and Protectors Help

Understanding Bunions: What Causes Them?

Before diving into how pads, protectors, correctors and splints can help - it's useful to understand what causes bunions in the first place. Bunions develop over time due to a combination of factors including:

• Genetics: If bunions run in your family you're more likely to develop them.
• Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow or high-heeled shoes can push your toes together encouraging the growth of bunions.
• Foot Structure: Certain foot types like flat feet or low arches are more prone to bunion problems.
• Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and changes in the foot structure - leading to bunions.

While changing your footwear can help - once a bunion has formed it's there to stay unless surgically removed. However, managing symptoms and preventing further progression is where pads and splints come into play.

Bunion Protector - Cushioning Pads

Bunion protector pads are small, cushioned devices designed to protect the bunion from rubbing against the inside of your shoes. Here’s how they help:

• Reduce Friction: The constant rubbing of a bunion against the inside of a shoe can cause painful blisters and calluses. Bunion protection pads provide a soft barrier between the bunion and your shoe - reducing friction and preventing these issues.
• Alleviate Pressure: By cushioning the bunion, bunion pads help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot - relieving the pain that comes from the bunion being pressed against.
• Improved Comfort: Whether you’re walking, running, or just standing, bunion protection pads can make wearing shoes much more comfortable allowing you to stay active without constant discomfort.

Bunion pads are typically made from soft materials like silicone or gel, which conform to the shape of your foot for a snug, comfortable fit.

Bunion Corrector - Realignment Splint

While bunion pads focus on comfort during the day, the bunion corrector or splint is designed to be worn mostly at night, providing gentle pressure to realign the big toe. Here’s why they’re effective:

• Correcting Toe Alignment: Bunion splints work by gradually pulling the big toe back into a more natural position. This can help slow down the progression of the bunion and reduce the misalignment that causes pain.
• Stretching Tight Muscles: Over time, the muscles and tendons around a bunion can become tight, fuelling the problem. Bunion splints help stretch these tissues improving flexibility and reducing tension on the big toe joint.
• Pain Relief Solution: By keeping the toe properly aligned splints can help relieve the strain on the bunion - reducing pain both during and after use.

These correctors are typically worn overnight, allowing you to give your feet a break from the day’s activities while still working on correcting the alignment. While they might feel a bit awkward at first, many people find that the benefits outweigh any initial discomfort.

Combining Pads and Correctors for Best Results

For the best results, many people use both bunion pads and correctors as part of their daily routine. During the day, bunion pads can help keep you comfortable in your shoes, while at night, splints or correctors can work to realign your toe and relieve tension.

Here’s how you might incorporate both into your routine:

• Morning: Apply a bunion pad before putting on your shoes. This will help cushion the bunion and prevent friction throughout the day.
• Evening: After a long day - switch to a bunion corrector splint before bed. This allows your toe to be gently realigned overnight giving your feet a chance to recover.

Using these tools can help manage bunion pain and may even prevent the bunion from getting worse over time.

When to See a Medical Professional 

While pads and corrector splints can provide significant relief - it’s important to know when to seek professional advice. If your bunion is causing severe pain and significantly limiting your mobility or if you notice swelling, redness or warmth around the joint, it’s time to consult a podiatrist or a GP. They can assess your condition and recommend further treatments which may include custom orthotics, physical therapy or even surgery in severe cases.

Algeos Bunion Treatment Options

Bunions can be a real pain, but with the right tools - you can manage the discomfort and keep living your life. Bunion pads and corrector splints are simple, effective ways to relieve pain and prevent your bunion from getting worse. By adding these bunion treatment solutions to your daily routine, you can cushion and protect your bunion during the day and work on realigning your toe at night. While these treatments won’t make the bunion disappear, they can certainly help you feel better and keep you moving.

If your symptoms persist - don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for more advice.

Further Reading (please note these links will redirect you to our UK website)

Living with Bunions: Patient Advice

The Importance of Customised Inter-Digital Silicone Orthoses

Podiatry Bunion Treatment: Evidence-Based Perspectives

Orthotic Insoles: A Guide to Relieving Sore Feet

Toe Protection Tips using Silipos Foot Care Gels

What are Bunions? FAQ