Bunions, or bony growths at the side of the foot, are very common. One in 3 people who wear shoes are affected by them, and bunion correction, or hallux valgus surgery, is one of the most common surgeries in the world.
Since bunions can limit your foot’s function, podiatrists use many nonsurgical treatments to address bunion symptoms before they worsen. Custom orthotics can be an effective treatment against bunion-related pain and discomfort.
What are bunions?
Bunions typically grow at the side of the big toe. They may develop when a person repeatedly wears narrow, inadequate shoes that squeeze the feet, or as a result of arthritis. When the big toe pushes against other toes, other serious symptoms develop, like hammertoe. Common symptoms of bunions include:
- A visible bump at the side of your toe joint.
- Pain and tenderness at the bunion site.
- Swelling and redness at the bunion site.
- Difficulty walking.
- Difficulty fitting into shoes.
How custom orthotics can help address bunions
When surveyed, 75% of podiatrists recommended the use of custom orthotics to treat bunions. The benefits of custom orthotics may include:
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Pain relief — Most shoes cannot accommodate a bunion; they can put extra pressure on the misaligned joint and worsen pain. Custom orthotics can alleviate and redistribute pressure, which can help provide pain relief.
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Swelling reduction — Custom orthotics can increase your comfort while walking. As a result of more comfortable movement and better blood flow, your bunion’s swelling may decrease.
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Slowed progression — While custom orthotics cannot cure bunions, they can significantly slow their development. This is helpful if you are waiting for surgery or want to delay surgery for as long as possible.
- Reduced angle — A small group of patients treated with custom orthotics saw that the angle of their bunion lessened. This visible improvement may be a result of restored foot mobility.
Biocorrect can help ease your bunion symptoms
Looking for effective, nonsurgical treatment options for your bunion? Biocorrect’s state-of-the-art custom orthotics can help you walk without pain. Our certified pedorthists use foam impressions to build orthotics molded to your feet. All our custom orthotics are based on:
- The results of a one-on-one foot and gait evaluation.
- A custom foam mold of your feet.
Contact us today for more information about how our custom orthotics can help address your bunions or to schedule an initial appointment with one of our certified pedorthists.
