Wait, Do Bunion Correctors Actually Work?
Podiatrists are in favor of non-surgical treatments, but that doesn’t mean they're all effective or that they're right for you.
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Imagine feeling discomfort on the side of your big toe every time you slip your foot into your favorite wedges or high-heeled boots. Or, maybe you experience irritation while doing box jumps as a part of your go-to HIIT workout. The thing is, if you have a bunion, then you know there are some types of shoes — and weight-bearing movements — that cause intense throbbing in that vulnerable area of your foot.
“Bunions, or hallux valgus, result from a misalignment of the big toe joint,” says Casey Pidich, D.P.M., a New York City-based podiatrist. “This deformity often leads to a bony prominence or ‘bump’ on the foot's inner side. Symptoms include pain, swelling, discomfort, and redness around the joint.”
The affected toe can become stiff and painful, Dr. Pidich notes, which can impact how you stand and walk. It may also prevent you from wearing certain footwear (goodbye, pointed-toe shoes). This is where bunion correctors come in — a non-invasive and non-surgical solution to the aching bump. But the question is, do bunion correctors work, or should you skip them and opt for a different treatment option altogether? Read on to find out.
Related: How to Stop Foot Pain From Standing All Day, According to a Podiatrist
What Are Bunion Correctors?
Despite what the name suggests, bunion correctors don't correct bunions. It's more accurate to think of them as over-the-counter stabilizing accessories that help to temporarily alleviate discomfort and slow the progression of the deformity. They do this by realigning the big toe, supporting the joint, and reducing inflammation and pressure, explains Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a New York City-based podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare.
There are a few different types of bunion correctors to choose from, which allows you to pick one that’s most comfortable for you. Some are designed to be worn under your socks and shoes, while others need to be worn barefoot at home.
Types of Bunion Correctors
Toe spacers (or separators): Just as it sounds, a toe spacer is often a gel or silicone device that sits between your big toe and second metatarsal. “They help maintain proper spacing between toes, preventing crowding and promoting alignment,” Dr. Pidich says.
Splints: A bunion splint is a bit more involved than a toe spacer and is usually reserved for wearing at bedtime. “Designed to hold the big toe in a straightened position, splints provide support and help prevent further deviation,” Dr. Pidich says.
Bunion sleeves: You can wear a sleeve that provides padding over the actual bump to protect it from any friction or pressure caused by the shoe, Dr. Cunha explains. You can slip the sleeve onto your bare foot and wear it around the house, or, if it’s thin enough, you can put your sock and shoe over it.
Tube foam: This is just a foam sleeve for your big toe. Dr. Pidich says this can help protect your bunion from developing calluses and prevent friction.
But, Do Bunion Correctors Work?
Current research on how well bunion correctors can alleviate pain and realign the big toe is mixed and only partially conclusive, notes Dr. Pidich. For instance, the findings from one systematic review in BMJ Open suggest toe spacers may be the top choice because they can lower pain levels and improve the angle of the big toe. But, overall, the data from this review is a little murky — some of the analyzed studies had missing data and errors, according to the authors. In other words, they didn’t have great information to work with to reach their conclusions.
A similar concern was noted by the authors of an Arthritis Care & Research meta-analysis that looked at the research on nonsurgical bunions interventions. Of the 18 studies they reviewed, many consisted of small sample sizes, which likely led to mixed — or inconsistent — outcomes.
The bottom line is that bunion correctors may or may not help you. “The effectiveness of bunion correctors varies from person to person depending on the severity of the deformity,” Dr. Cunha explains. Dr. Pidich agrees and says most of her patients feel relieved while they’re wearing bunion correctors and even after they take them off. However, both experts point out that the benefits are temporary. "These devices cannot correct or reverse the [bunion or the] biomechanical imbalance [they may cause],” Dr. Cunha says.
Related: The 12 Best Shoes for Bunions, Tested and Reviewed
What’s the Best Way to Treat a Bunion?
It depends on the goal — and the severity of the bunion. If you want to permanently correct a bunion, Dr. Cunha notes that surgery is likely the only option. However, if you just want to alleviate pain, non-surgical interventions may be helpful. Custom orthotics, for example, can provide arch support and help take the pressure off a bunion. Additionally, physical therapy can help strengthen and improve foot function, Dr. Pidich says. “In-office, therapeutic steroid injections can also alleviate pain and inflammation in bunions,” she adds. Topical medications, cold therapy (ice), and certain stretches may also help to reduce discomfort, Dr. Cunha notes.
TLDR: When in doubt, book an appointment with a specialist. “A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion, consider lifestyle factors, recommend a tailored treatment plan, and recommend specific shoes for bunions, which may include a combination of conservative measures and, if necessary, surgical intervention,” Dr. Pidich says.
Related: The 11 Best Pain Relief Creams and Balms for Muscle Aches and Joint Pain, According to Experts
The Bottom Line
Bunion correctors may provide temporary relief for some people, but there’s no guarantee. Not to mention, it doesn’t solve the root of the problem. But, because bunions are primarily genetic, they’re almost impossible to prevent, say both experts. If you want to give a bunion corrector a try, make sure that it fits well. If it doesn’t, it can cause even more foot and toe discomfort.
Still, there are so many treatments that can make living with a bunion more manageable. Start by wearing a shoe that offers good arch support and a wide toe box, for example. Consider avoiding wearing narrow-fitting shoes to help prevent excessive rubbing and friction on your bunion.
Be sure to check in with a podiatrist on how you can best manage your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that’s best for your needs.
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