The Best Bunion Splints

Bunions, or hallux valgus, are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toes. Wearing corrective splints realigns the big toes to alleviate pain and stop bunions in their tracks. Either elastic or adjustable, bunion splints often come with a variety of spacers and separators for a customized experience. Take a look at our list of the best bunion splints and say goodbye to toe pain.

Bunions Q&A

• Why do People Get Bunions?

  Some doctors believe that bunions are caused by inherited bone structure. Other causes of bunions include low arches, hypermobility, and rheumatoid arthritis. Ill-fitting shoes can also be a contributing factor to the growth of bunions in people with existing bunions or a genetic predisposition.

• Who Develops Bunions?

  Bunions affect more women than men. Some have speculated that this is due to wearing high heels and narrow-shoes. Repetitive friction or stress injuries to the feet can also cause bunions. As such, active people such as ballet dancers often suffer from bunions.

• What are the Symptoms of Bunions?

  Aside from painful bumps at the base of the big toes, bunions can have other symptoms. These include numbness, a burning sensation, redness, swelling of the toe joint, hardened skin under the feet, and the presence of calluses and corns.

• What are the Possible Complications of Having Bunions?

  If left untreated, bunions can lead to a number of conditions. These include hammertoe, or abnormal curling of the toe, and bursitis, or inflammation of the sacks that cushion the tendons, muscles, and bones.

Other Ways to Treat Bunions

While splints can ease the pain of bunions, there are other ways of treating this debilitating condition. Here are just a few.

• Wear Appropriate Footwear

  Narrow and uncomfortable shoes, such as high heels, can contribute to the development of bunions. As such, wearing roomy footwear with a lot of toe space can alleviate the pain of bunions. In addition, if you are suffering from bunions it is a good idea to avoid activities that cause you pain, such as sports.

• Shoe Inserts

  Either over-the-counter or custom-made, orthotics, or shoe insoles, help to redistribute pressure of walking or running. This can reduce pressure on the toes and the symptoms of bunions.

• Applying Ice

  Applying an ice pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables can help to numb the pain of bunions and reduce inflammation. This is particularly beneficial if you have been on your feet all day and your bunions have become sore and inflamed. Always use a towel as a barrier between the ice and your skin to avoid frostbite.

• Padding

  Bunion pads work by cushioning the affected areas and reduce friction between the shoes and the skin. Both moleskin and gel pads can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies.

• Medication

  When all else fails, over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, can help to manage bunion pain. However, this should never be a long-term solution. If you are in severe pain, talk to your doctor about cortisone injections.

• Surgery

  If the above options don’t reduce your bunions, you might need surgery. Most bunion surgeries include a bunionectomy, or the removal of some of the bone and tissue from the joints. Bunion surgery is not recommended for purely cosmetic reasons.

Weighing All the Factors

The best bunion splint should be both comfortable and well-fitting. Made from terry cloth, Vive’s bunion braces come with adjustable straps for a tailored fit. Before making your final selection, take a look at our other top choices: Flyen’s bunion relief protector and Caretras’ bunion corrector.