People suffering from bunion pain search for answers regarding bunion splint, do they work? This article will help you understand more about bunion splint and their effect.
A bony bump on the outer big toe joint is known as bunion (hallux valgus). This is very painful and is caused due to hereditary factors, ill-fitting shoes, underlying medical conditions like arthritis or when there is too much stress put on the feet. Bunions cause the big toe to lean into the next toe instead of its normal straight position. Thus, the toes get misaligned and a bump is seen. When there is inflammation, it leads to a red, tender and painful toe. If you have bunions on your baby toe, it is known as bunionettes or tailor's bunions.
How do Bunion Splints Help?
For bunion correction, people use splint during night or while walking. It helps in bunion relief by stabilizing the foot, rectifying the incorrect placing of the toe, and increasing the flexibility of the big toe. It also decreases the strain on the other toes and allows them to extend comfortably inside the shoe. The splint is made of a very lightweight material with rounded straps that helps it to mold itself according to the foot contour.
Types of Bunion Splints
There are various bunion correction splints available to help in bunion treatment. You get splints for bunion relief during the day and bunion night splints to help ease pain at night. The basic bunion splint is a simple wrap around the top of the feet and strapped to the toes. This helps holding the big toe in a straight position. Few other splints allow you to melt down the rigid piece in the exact shape that matches the shape of your bunion. You may need shoes that are one size larger when wearing splints during day time. Many people prefer bunion night splints as they are more comfortable and do not cause any inconvenience.
Are Bunion Splints Useful and Effective?
'Do bunion splits work' is the first question asked by many when they are asked to use them. They are very easy to use and inexpensive. They are priced economically and can be affordable to many. You just need to wear them while you are walking and not have much of a problem as they are extremely lightweight. The bunion night splints are also very useful and can be worn before going to bed. They work towards aligning your toe joints to the normal position while you are sleeping. Bunion splints help in better toe corrections especially in adolescents, as their young bones can realign more effectively. The bunion pain can be brought under control effectively and is a great way for bunion relief. These splints are wash and wear, and be used again and again. Many splints now come with anti-bacterial coating that helps prevent odor and foot infection. They are perfect for bunion pain as they not only decrease the discomfort, but also help in slowing down further development of bunions.
In case of a very bad bunion, you may have to undergo bunion surgery to correct bunions permanently. But bunion surgery is always the last resort in case of bunion treatment. Podiatrist mostly advise bunion splints as a common bunion treatment. Splints won't cure bunion completely but help a lot in bunion relief. If the bunion pain is unbearable or posing problems while walking in extreme cases, then the podiatrist may advise bunion surgery.
Thus, the answer to bunion splint, do they work is yes, they do work to a certain extent. The bunion splint and bunion night splint may be helpful to an individual according to their level of bunion pain. In the end, if you are suffering from bunion pain and looking for relief then you can opt for a bunion night splint as an option. You should visit a doctor or podiatrist and clear any further doubts regarding splints and their effect on your toe.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
