Can Bunions Be Corrected With Orthotics?

Bunions look like bumps on the bottom of your big toe, and they are. But they’re more than that. The main “bump” is actually the bone of your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, displaced. 

The displaced joint is called hallux valgus. The tender, fleshy bump that sometimes develops over the hallux valgus is usually referred to as a bunion. However, you can't just cut off a bunion and expect your feet to feel better. You have to address that displaced MTP, too.

Our board-certified podiatrists at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group diagnose and treat bunions at our offices in the Houston, Texas, area. One treatment we sometimes recommend is customized orthotics to help your feet feel more comfortable.

Do orthotics correct bunions? Here’s what to expect.

Orthotics realign your feet

The No. 1 problem with bunions is the misalignment of your MTP joint. When the bottom of your big toe pushes outward, the top pushes inward. The big toe then crowds, or even crosses over, your other toes, causing issues such as:

• Corns
• Calluses
• Bursitis
• Hammertoes
• Numbness in the big toe

Customized orthotics begin with a 3D or gel mold of your feet as they are now. Your podiatrist then creates a modification to realign your big toe. A lab makes the custom-molded orthotic so that your MTP joint doesn’t create as many problems.

The orthotic is also designed to redistribute the weight in your foot when it strikes the ground. A more perfectly aligned foot takes shocks evenly, reducing the chance of other problems, including difficulties walking or balancing.

Orthotics alleviate pain

Because orthotics redistribute weight and realign your big toe, you notice a difference in comfort levels. Your bunion no longer presses against your shoe, so it won’t be aggravated and grow larger in the future.

In addition to orthotics, we may recommend that you change shoes to avoid restrictive toe boxes or high heels. That doesn't mean you can’t indulge in foot fashion anymore; your shoe choices just have to be bunion-friendly.

We can design custom orthotics to fit all of your shoes, even your sport shoes. When you give your body a stable base with better aligned feet, you may notice that you walk and run more comfortably and efficiently, too.

Surgery permanently corrects bunions

If your bunions are mild to moderate, custom orthotics may be the only treatment you need to live comfortably with hallux valgus. We may also recommend a night splint to keep your toe aligned as you sleep.

However, neither orthotics nor braces and splints can cure your misaligned MTP. The only way to permanently reset your big toe is through surgery.

We don’t recommend surgery unless you haven’t gotten relief through other means, including some lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight and wearing roomier shoes. If your pain is intermittent, despite changes and orthotics, we may recommend taking painkillers before turning to surgery.

Take the stress off your MTP with customized orthotics for bunions by phoning us at the office nearest you or scheduling an appointment online.

We service Greater Heights, Pearland Market, League City, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Rosharen, Alvin, Fresno, Missouri City, Arcola, Friendswood, South Houston, Kingwood Market, Humble, New Chaney, Atasciacita, and Northeast Houston, Texas.