Are bunions cramping your style? If you're a seasoned runner, a fan of high heels or have bunions in your family history, you're more likely to experience these unsightly toe deformities. In fact, by age 65, one in three people have hallux valgus (HV), a.k.a. bunions.
Jeremy Ousey, a musculoskeletal podiatrist in the U.K., explains that bunions develop due to instability in the mid-foot joint where the toes attach. As a result, the big toe can drift away from the other bones, leading to the characteristic bunion bump. Over time, it can worsen, causing significant pain and discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
But don’t despair! While surgery is the only permanent solution for fixing bunions, not everyone needs to go under the knife. Many people can manage their bunions with non-surgical treatments like bunion correctors. These devices help realign the toes, alleviate pain and even prevent the bunion from worsening. Dr. Craig Radnay, an orthopedic surgeon with the Florida Orthopedic Institute, explains, "Bunion correctors can be an effective treatment option, especially with a mild to moderate, flexible bunion deformity. A bunion that is flexible or 'moveable' can be straightened manually or held temporarily with a corrector." Additionally, bunion correctors can support recovery post-surgery.
If bunions are making your life miserable, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. These foot specialists can guide you through the best treatment options, including bunion correctors. We spoke with five podiatrists and a footwear design expert to bring you the best bunion correctors on the market.
Radnay explains that bunion correctors apply gentle pressure to maintain the toe's alignment. "These are non-invasive devices that can help with discomfort and slow the progression of the bunion deformity," he says.
While the primary function of all bunion correctors is to apply pressure, they differ in the level of support and pressure they provide, their intended use (such as daytime or nighttime) and their design. In some cases you can also use different products together, like pairing a guard with a corrector for enhanced effectiveness, or using an orthotic shoe with a bunion sock for added protection and support.
However, Radnay notes that the bunion deformities won't just disappear — the only way to permanently correct a bunion is with surgery. That's why he advises consulting a podiatrist at the first sign of a bunion to receive a treatment plan specific to your needs, which may include bunion correctors.
Here are different types of bunion correctors you might consider:
Bunion splints: Rigid or semi-rigid devices to wear at night as you sleep
Bunion sleeves and pads: Soft cushions worn in shoes to reduce friction and pressure as you go about your day
Bunion-correcting toe spacers: A tool to separate the big toe from the second toe to provide pain relief while keeping your toes in alignment
Bunion relief arch supports: Insoles to wear in your shoes to help prevent overpronation that can exacerbate bunion pain and formation
Bunion relief socks: Socks that provide padding and separation to reduce friction and pressure
Bunion relief shoes: Shoes with wider toe boxes to prevent pain and further discomfort
It can be helpful to look for the following features when choosing a bunion corrector:
Comfort: The bunion corrector should be comfortable to wear and shouldn't rub or irritate your bunion.
Durability: The product should be well made to withstand daily use.
Easy to use: The corrector should be easy to put on, take off and clean.
Fit: It should fit your foot shape and be adjustable if needed. Radnay recommends choosing a low-profile, semi-rigid bunion corrector because it can help correct the toe deformity while still being comfortable enough to wear.
Flexibility: A good bunion corrector should fit comfortably in different types of footwear, providing the versatility needed for daily wear. Some degree of flexibility is helpful so it fits into your shoe.
For bunions that are causing severe pain or interfering with daily life, talk to a podiatrist about your options — you may need to consider surgery. "Fortunately, we now have excellent, new minimally invasive surgeries that cause less pain, have quicker recovery, and yield great outcomes in terms of deformity correction, pain relief and resumption of activity," says Radnay.
To choose the best bunion correctors and footwear products for bunions, we interviewed five podiatrists and one footwear designer to determine the best brands and features and, in some cases, get product recommendations. We checked over 30 different products to compile expert-backed recommendations along with product picks that aligned with our research. We also considered factors like price, effectiveness and user reviews when evaluating each bunion corrector.
Bunion correctors are often effective at easing pain and discomfort during the initial stages of a bunion's development and may even decelerate its progression. However, they do not provide a permanent cure — severe bunions often require surgery.
You may notice immediate relief with a bunion corrector (especially if your bunion is in its early stages), or it could take several weeks to allow toe alignment to shift. You must use a corrector consistently to see results.
"The more regularly you wear a bunion corrector, the more effective it can be. Most bunion correctors are worn for at least two to three hours a day and sometimes overnight," says Radnay. If you use a bunion corrector at night, switch to a different one during the day since night-wear correctors can be too bulky for daily wear.
Bunion correctors typically aren't covered by insurance since they're available over the counter. However, you might be able to use HSA or FSA funds for these expenses. For specialized bunion products, consult your doctor.
Radnay recommends consulting a doctor as soon as you notice a bunion forming. "Once you start noticing an increasing deformity or 'bump' along the inside part of your foot, consider seeking consultation," he advises. Not only can early treatment help prevent the bunion from progressing rapidly, you may have more options for less-invasive treatments and surgeries down the line.
If your bunion causes severe pain, worsens over time or interferes with daily activities, it’s important to see a doctor.
Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS with Ankle & Foot Centers of America in Fayetteville, Georgia
Liza Egbogah BSc, DC, DOMP, orthopedic footwear designer
Jeremy Ousey, a musculoskeletal podiatrist based in Swansea, U.K.
Craig Radnay, MD, MPH, board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Florida Orthopedic Institute in partnership with Tampa General Hospital
Shital Sharma, DPM with Pinewood Family Care LuxStep Concierge Podiatry in New Jersey
Sidney Weiser, DPM, CEO of Quality Podiatry Group
