Can Orthotics Correct My Bunions?

One in three Americans have bunions, a painful foot condition that progressively worsens over time. If you notice the start of a bunion, you should contact Foot and Ankle Specialists in Memorial City, The Woodlands, and Huntsville, Texas, for treatment right away.

Without early medical intervention, bunions can require surgical correction. Our experienced podiatrists may be able to intervene with nonsurgical options before your bunion worsens. With our help, you might be able to avoid surgery while still finding relief for your pain and other bunion symptoms.

Why you have a bunion

A bunion is a bony bump on the inside of your foot at the base of your big toe joint. This bump typically forms over time when you wear shoes that are narrow or too tight. 

As the bump enlarges, the bones, ligaments, and tendons of your affected toe also change. Your big toe may drift sideways toward your other toes, which can ultimately lead to a toe deformity.

While men can get bunions, women are at a much greater risk for the condition, likely due to weaker connective tissues in the female foot. Women who wear high-heels or other narrow shoes are also at increased risk for bunions.

There may also be a genetic component to bunions. Many people with close family members who have bunions also develop the condition at some point in their lifetime.

When to seek medical care for bunions

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Foot and Ankle Specialists if you develop a visible bump on your big toe joint and bunion symptoms like:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• A callus or corn on the bump
• Loss of motion in your big toe
• Pain when standing or walking

As your bunion progresses, your pain increases, and you may notice your big toe shifting out of place and bending toward your second toe. If left untreated, your big toe can bend way out of alignment and become deformed.

To prevent a painful deformity and loss of mobility, you can meet with our team to discuss your options for early intervention treatments.

Treatment for bunions

An effective way to relieve existing bunion discomfort and prevent your condition from worsening is to change your footwear. Choose shoes that fit well and have plenty of space for your toes. You can also add padding to your shoes to prevent them from rubbing against your toe bump.

Orthotics are another nonsurgical treatment option that can correct bunions in the earliest stages. Custom-fit orthotics like shoe inserts, toe spacers, and braces keep your foot and ankle in line and can prevent your big toe joint from bending sideways.

Our providers take measurements of your feet and ankles to ensure the best fit for your orthotics. We use advanced 3D scanning technology to create the custom orthotics you need to protect your toe joint and prevent persistent pain.

If your bunion is already severe, we discuss your options for other treatments, including minimally invasive dynaBunion® and miniBunion® surgery.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation of your bunion symptoms, call the Foot and Ankle Specialists office near you today, or book an appointment online anytime.