Bunions are a common problem affecting the big toe joint of the foot. The really are a complex of a number of problems. A ‘bunion’ is actually just the bony lump that develops. When the big toe angles over towards the outside, then that is called ‘hallux valgus’ (or hallux abducto valgus). They both pretty much go together. The mostly likely cause of bunions are a combination of a hereditary predisposition (blame your parents) and the use of tight fitting footwear (that’s your responsibility).
One potential treatment for bunions are the group of products known as ‘bunion correctors’:
Bunion correctors are a splint or brace that is generally worn overnight, perhaps with a larger size sock covering them. They can be worn during the evening. They are not designed to be used in shoes, however, there are other products that can be used for this.
Bunion correctors have been around for a long time (see this advertisement from 1921) and there is quite a bit of debate if they are effective or not. There are also a lot of fake before and after photos of their use.
Do the bunion correctors work?
The research evidence is that the can help change the angle of the big toe. See this study that showed that there can be about a couple of degrees change after a couple of months use. Even if they did not help change the angle, they can be helpful at keeping the joint mobile and flexible (and that is a good thing). There are also anecdotal reports from clinicians of them being particularly helpful for those deep arthritis like aches that can occur inside the joints of those that have bunions and hallux valgus. This means they might be more effective at dealing with the pain inside the joint in those with bunions rather than correcting the alignment of the big toe.
Also, keep in mind that it will not matter how good a job they do and how good you are at using them regularly, if you put the foot back into the types of shoes that caused the bunion in the first place, then there is a good probability that any good done with the bunion corrector during the night is going to be undone by the shoe during the day..
How long wear a bunion corrector for? The study linked above shows about a couple of degrees over a couple of months, so their use is going to be long term. What is not known in the research evidence is that if that improvement stays if you discontinue their use.
Personal Opinion on Bunion Correctors:
Yes, but.
A lot of clinicians do advise against using bunion correctors. The evidence that they help the alignment of the hallux valgus long term is not good. However, I do recommend them for two reasons. Firstly, they keep the joint mobile and flexible. That has to be a good thing long term, regardless of what is done to treat them. Secondly, they are very helpful at helping relieve the “arthritis” like aching pain deep inside the joint that can develop in those with bunions.
However, proper footwear advice needs to be followed other wise any good from the bunion corrector is going to be undone.
Where to buy bunion correctors:
Bunion correctors (Australia)
Fishpond (New Zealand)
USA
Canada
UK
Author
University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger, dad.