Bunions are hard, bony protrusions that develop on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons explains that bunions form gradually as the big toe drifts toward the other toes under repeated stress.
Bunions are widespread and become more common with advancing age. A 2020 review from Australia estimated that around 23 percent of adults have bunions, and over 80 percent of those seeking medical care for them are 45 years old or older.
Surgery is the definitive option for removing bunions, but it’s typically recommended only when the deformity causes significant pain either at rest or during walking.
Bunion correctors are noninvasive devices intended to realign the big toe. Some users report pain relief, though the research evidence remains limited and not definitive.
Read on to understand how bunion correctors may ease symptoms and what other treatments are available.
Do bunion correctors really work?
Available studies indicate that bunion correctors are unlikely to permanently realign the big toe or eliminate bunions. They may, however, offer temporary pain relief while being worn.
The evidence assessing bunion correctors’ effectiveness for pain reduction suggests they are not likely to produce substantial or lasting improvements.
In a small 2020 trial, 70 participants with bunions either used a toe splint or received no intervention. There was no measurable difference in toe alignment between groups, but those using splints reported notably less pain during activities like walking and running, and also at rest.
An earlier, small 2008 study compared toe-separating insoles to a nocturnal splint in 30 women aged 19 to 45 with bunions. The toe separator group experienced pain relief, whereas those using night splints did not. Neither approach produced a meaningful change in the angle of the big toe.
It’s possible that bunion correctors could slow bunion progression, but stronger and larger studies are needed to clarify their true impact.
How do bunion correctors work?
Repeated stress on a bone or joint prompts the body to deposit extra bone at the stressed site. When the big toe angles inward, increased force concentrates on the inner edge of the foot, eventually leading to a bunion.
Bunion correctors aim to coax the big toe back toward its normal alignment. Designs vary, but many resemble a sleeve that partially covers the foot and include a spacer positioned between the big toe and the second toe.
Other correctors are splints that hold the toe in a straighter position by supporting it from the side. Splints typically do not fit inside shoes and are intended for wearing at night.
The underlying idea is that gently moving the toe toward its natural alignment will, over time, help maintain that position—similar to the way orthodontic braces shift teeth.
However, current evidence does not show that bunion correctors can reliably change toe angle or eliminate bunions. Some limited data suggest they might slow progression or reduce discomfort, but more research is necessary.
Proven treatment for bunions
Surgery remains the only treatment shown to reliably correct bunions when they cause severe pain or when conservative measures fail. Nonoperative approaches such as physiotherapy or analgesics can help manage symptoms for mild bunions.
Surgery
A 2020 review reported that around 100 surgical techniques exist for bunion correction. Most procedures involve repositioning tendons, ligaments, and the joint capsule to realign the big toe. The bone at the base of the big toe and the bone behind it may be cut and repositioned. Surgery typically lasts about an hour.
In certain cases, the big toe bones may be secured with metal plates or screws.
Nonsurgical treatments
Other approaches that can help control symptoms include:
- Physiotherapy. Exercises and stretching may strengthen and lengthen muscles and connective tissues in the foot.
- Pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain during flare-ups.
- Footwear changes. Shoes with low heels and a roomy toe box reduce pressure on a bunion. Padding or taping over the bunion may also ease pressure.
- Orthotics. Custom or over-the-counter orthoses can relieve pain for some people, although the evidence supporting their benefit is limited.
Where to get bunion correctors
Bunion correctors won’t eliminate bunions, but they can provide temporary relief while in use. They are widely available at pharmacies and shoe retailers.
Shop for bunion correctors online.
What causes bunions, and can you prevent them?
The precise cause of bunions remains unclear. A family history of bunions suggests a genetic component. Certain foot structural variations, such as a particular bone shape or a tight Achilles tendon, may predispose someone to develop bunions.
Being flatfooted, having rheumatoid arthritis, or possessing shortened calf muscles are also thought to raise the risk.
Although tight shoes and high heels are frequently blamed, footwear alone is unlikely to be the primary cause. Some people who regularly wear high heels never develop bunions, while others who wear loose, flat shoes do.
Footwear likely contributes to bunion formation mainly in those who are genetically susceptible.
Ways that may help reduce your chance of developing bunions include:
- choosing comfortable, flat shoes
- avoiding footwear that squeezes the forefoot
- limiting time spent in high heels or pointy-toed shoes
- walking barefoot more often
Takeaway
Bunion correctors are devices intended to realign the big toe. They do not cure bunions, though some users report temporary pain relief. More robust scientific study is required to determine whether they can slow bunion progression.
Surgery is the only reliably effective option for severe bunions that do not respond to conservative treatments. If you think surgery might be appropriate, consult a doctor to discuss which procedure may be best for you.
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