Bunions are big toe joint deformities that can cause a lot of discomforts. For example, they can hinder you from doing simple tasks like walking and standing. Furthermore, they can lead to foot complications if left untreated.
The bony bump usually forms when you regularly wear tight or narrow footwear, high heels, and improperly fitted footwear. You can even inherit this structural defect. Nonetheless, there are many ways you can treat this condition and avoid foot injury if you decide to get bunion surgery.
One of the most well-known bunion correctors is CVS bunion splints. They are designed to aid in the big toe realignment and alleviate the pain and discomfort in your foot. But you might wonder, “Do bunion splints work?” Here is everything you must know about bunion splints here!
The Benefits of Using a Bunion Splint from CVS
Bunion correctors are popular because they offer an array of benefits. Here are the key benefits of bunion splints.
Toe realignment
Bunion splints are most sought for their benefit of toe realignment. Having a properly aligned big toe saves you from a lot of trouble. It allows you to have natural arch support, balancing your body’s weight distribution and promoting stability. Furthermore, big toe realignment restores proper bone orientation, improves blood flow, and prevents strains.
Preventing bunion progression
Because bunion splints keep your big toe in place, they prevent your bunion deformity from getting worse. Without anything holding your big toe in place, it will continue to lean further towards your second toe and change your bone structure. This deformity results in increased pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes, standing, and walking.
Pain relief
Everyone who has bunions knows how painful they can get, especially those with high severity. In addition, because your big toe is leaning towards your second toe, the pressure from it may also force your second toe to lean towards your third toe.
Furthermore, this foot condition can cause calluses to form because your toes are rubbing against one another. This leads to severe bunion pain and difficulties when doing simple tasks.
Post-operative care
Bunion splints are extremely valuable if you are recovering from bunion surgery. It’s because they help maintain your foot’s proper alignment after the operation. Additionally, they stretch important tendons and ligaments on your foot and treat scar tissue.
Moreover, they support mobility by increasing your foot’s motion range. This helps you move your foot without experiencing pain so that you can go back to your daily routine fast.
Different Kinds of Bunion Splints
There are different kinds of bunion splints you can choose from, which are also effective in treating claw toes, crooked toes, thick toes, and hammertoes. Here is a list of important information about them so that you can buy the best bunion splint for you.
Orthopedic bunion splint
Orthopedic bunion splints draw your big toe to help realign it. They wrap around your big toe and anchor around your midfoot for arch support. Additionally, their moldable metal bar holds your foot in a good position to stretch out your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Toe Splints
Correcting your overlapping toes has never been easier with toe alignment splints.
They serve as cushions for your bunion and can be worn with your shoes. Furthermore, they have a loop that is easy to wrap around your foot and gently grips your toes. In addition, they are effective in relieving foot pain and supporting your big toe.
Rigid splints
Rigid splints are made of plastic and accommodate the side of your big toe for realignment. You should strap them around your foot to provide strong support and immobilization to keep your toe in the proper position.
The rigidity of these bunion correctors won’t allow you to walk around comfortably, so it’s best to use them during rest periods. By using them properly, you can enjoy comfortable pain relief while aligning your toes back to normal.
Gel splints
Gel bunion splints provide a lot of comforts when worn because they are made of soft silicone. Their gel pads separate your big toe from your second toe to prevent bunion progression. Additionally, they have an attached guard to wrap around your foot arch, which reduces pressure and friction from shoes.
Hinged bunion splints
Hinged bunion splints are quite similar to rigid splints, but they have a hinged joint that provides more mobility. Thus, you can wear them with footwear and experience effective foot pain relief while correcting your toe alignment.
Bunion brace
Bunion braces are made of soft fabric but contain plastic or metal rods for toe realignment.
They are adjustable to provide support properly and prevent bunion pain. In addition, they have an arch pad to aid your foot arch and protect it from pressure and friction.
These braces may have elasticated straps or come in the form of supported socks so that you can wear them comfortably with your shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bunion Splints
You may have a few more questions about bunions splints, so we’ve made a list of the most common inquiries about them. Read on to find out more!
Are bunion splints effective?
Bunion splints are very effective in relieving foot pain, supporting toe realignment, increasing mobility, and preventing bunion progression. They are also a great addition to post-operative care. However, they will not get rid of your bunion. Instead, they will help you manage your bunion and lessen the discomfort associated with it.
What features should I look for in a bunion splint?
Different kinds of bunion splints vary in use. For example, there are ones that you can only wear during rest periods, and there are others that you can wear for extra mobility. But overall, you should look for a bunion splint that is comfortable and easily adjustable.
You also have to consider the materials used; if they are made of soft fabrics, plastic, metals, or silicone.
How long does it take for a bunion splint to correct toe alignment?
Bunion splints alone cannot correct your toe alignment. It’s because a bunion, especially in its severe stages, has already caused deformity in your bone structure and joints. Thus, you cannot get rid of them unless you undergo bunion surgery.
On the other hand, bunion splints provide effective foot support and aids mobility after surgery. They also prevent severe bunion pain and deformity progression if you have not yet undergone surgery.
Final Thoughts
Bunions are difficult to deal with because they cause severe pain and can lead to other foot conditions. That’s why you should know how to manage and treat them properly. Additionally, you should know how to choose the right bunion corrector for you.
We hope you’ve learned a lot of important information about bunion splints after reading this article. Don’t hesitate to use one right away if you’re looking for effective bunion pain relief and bunion support!
August 2, 2022
