However, there are ways you can correct bunions and avoid surgery altogether. One sure way is by using bunion splints. This post looks at the best bunion splints to reverse the condition. [toc]
Why Bunion Splints?
Having a boney protrusion at the base of your toe can be a harrowing experience. I have been there too. caveat with bunion surgery The caveat with bunion surgery is that it might leave a big hole in your budget, and in some cases the condition reoccurs. The invasive nature of bunion surgeries also means that you will have to be absent from work for long. Bunion splints can be helpful to align your big toe in a straight position. You can use the bunion splint pads to support the bunion so you can walk and work comfortably without pain or downtime. In the process, these braces reposition your big toe, gently pulling it back in place. In a nutshell, the benefits of bunion splints include:
Bunion surgery is costly; bunion splints aren’t Bunion surgery can be painful; bunion splints are pain-relieving Zero downtime Natural and permanent toe realignment
How to Choose the Right
I work all day on my feet as an elementary school teacher. But my bunions started long before my professional path. I considered surgery for a while before I stumbled upon the idea of bunion splints. Some bunion split models I came across weren’t supportive enough. Others caused a lot of friction and excruciating pain on my feet. Right now, the pain is almost gone, but I had to try several brands before I could find the right one. You can jump through the hassle and the pain I went through by arming yourself with the right information. When you go shopping for the best bunion braces, here are some of the criteria to consider:
Find a model that you can slip under your shoes
The thickness of the splint fabric matters a great deal. If you want to straighten your toes even when at work, find a bunion splint with a light enough material to fit into your shoes without aggravating your pain. On the other hand, thick braces might be durable, but their practicality is limited to home-use.
Choose a model that comes with toe separators
Regardless of the extent of the misalignment, you will need to have toe separators to complement the straightening function of the splint. These separators wedge between your toes and gently push them straight. Many bunion splint models come with spacers. Find spacers that are light and soft for comfort and free movement.
The ideal bunion splint is easy to clean
Hygiene is of prime importance here. These braces harbor bacteria, and so without regular cleaning, you might be in for a severe breakout of athletes’ foot. Choose a bunion splint that’s made of a washable material. It would also be wise to inquire about the breathability of the fabric before you buy. Breathable materials are preferable.
Gel pads are a must
Bunion correction should not be a painful process. In that regards, find a bunion brace that comes with gel pads that you can place on the affected area when you wear the sleeves. Gel pads help to prevent painful friction over the bunion during toe straightening.
Adjustability
Find a bunion splint that has a stretchy material to help in free movement. Without that, your bunion splint might feel too constricting and uncomfortable. Some brands have introduced hinged models in which the fabric doesn’t go around all the toes. Hinged bunion splints help to prevent toe blisters.
Notable Bunion Splints in the Market
1. Flyen Bunion Corrector & Splint
The Fyen Bunion Corrector and Splint comes as a set of 7 pieces that aim to facilitate straightening and pain relief from the misalignment. This product might give you value for money because you get two-foot sleeves and toe spacers. Each component in the kit addresses specific needs. The standard spacer has a gel ring and fits on your little toes. The gel padding goes on the big toe to cushion the bunion. There is also a big toe strap and the sleeves that go over the feet. The many components that come in this kit might help you solve several problems at once. The bunion pads and sleeves help to cushion the misalignment and heal the pain. The toe spacers, on the other hand, are useful in bunion correction. Also, the toe separators that come in the kit might help reduce friction between toes and facilitate free movement. The sleeves are supposedly made from medical grade silicone. This bunion splint kit could, therefore, be efficient at delivering comfort and flexibility to the users. Beware though that the whole gizmo can feel uncomfortable at first—it takes some getting used to. How is the ease of maintenance? You can wash the sleeves, pads, and spacers as many times as you like. The cleaning process is potentially fast and easy; the sleeves are made of silicone.
2. Apex Allure - Bunion Splint and Splint Cushions
Unlike the Flyen Splint model, this product comes as a 12 pack containing toe spreaders, splint cushions, and separators. Similarly to the Flyen Bunion Corrector & Splint, this tool kit might be able to fulfill varied functions, including toe alignment and pain relief.
Seven pieces of bullion splint components for comprehensive healing and pain relief Ease of use is assured –this kit comes with a user manual that guides on how to use each piece The gel spacers and pads help achieve the needed comfort
The toe spacers are prone to breakage The spacers and sleeves might feel uncomfortable at first
The toe inserts separate the big toe from the second one, helping to straighten the big toe and minimize the severity of the condition. The manufacturer asserts that these separators and spreaders are podiatrist-approved. You could, therefore, expect a high degree of safety and efficiency. The latex-free gel padding used in this case is washable and reusable. The spreader goes on your second toe like a ring while the silicone pad wedges against the big toe to gently correct issues of toe overlap. An included straightener helps to protect the big toe. The toe spacer helps to prevent toe drift. When you put the ring over your second toe, the underlying tissue on your big toe is propped to stay in the right alignment. You might, therefore, be able to walk or stand for long without your shoes rubbing against your toe. The bootie or splint helps to actualize bunion straightening and minimize pain the process. This splint is made of elastic material, meaning it can be adjustable to accommodate free movement
3. Dr. Frederick’s Original Bunion Sleeves
This bunion splint comes as a pair for your right and left feet. The sleeves feel soft and squishy, meaning you can be able to survive with them for long under your feet.
The toe separators are washable and reusable The pads are breathable The splints feel soft and comfortable There is an included spiky massage ball for relaxing your feet
You might find that these toe separators flatten after a short time Its thick design means that you cannot wear this splint under your shoes
The gel pad is designed to sit directly over the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP), the place where bunions develop. You could, therefore, expect drastic pain reduction with this splint. The booties are designed to have shock-absorbing effects. The splint could come in handy, therefore if your job involves standing for long hours. The cushioning appears to be sufficient, but watch out for random blisters between your toes caused by the sleeves. This toe splint comes in medium and large sizes. Also, if you have big feet, you might appreciate that the material is made to be stretchy. People with small foot sizes might struggle to find the right fitting Dr. Frederick’s Original Bunion sleeves. Also, to keep the bootie in place, you shall have to wear tight-fitting socks. That means that days when you are in sandals, you might be forced to put up with occasional rolling and bunching of the splint.
4. Alayna Bunion Corrector and Bunion Relief Splints
If you are trying to avoid bunion surgery, the Alayna bunion splint is another brace you might want to consider. It aims to effect speedy correction and provide pain relief, just like the other models in this review.
The bunion splint fits well especially for persons with big size feet There is sufficient support and cushioning for your toes You can wear them under your shoes
You might not find the right size if you have small feet The sleeves occasionally cause toe blisters
According to the manufacturer, this bunion is made from medical grade material, improving its potential to provide quick relief from hallux valgus. There is an included toe straightener that works with the splint to rectify your toe’s alignment. The gel pads, on the other hand, provide cushioning for pain relief throughout the correction process. You might find this bunion splint to be moderately comfortable to walk around in all day, owing to its flexible material. Just like other splints, it works by pulling the big tie to stabilize the arches. One other feature that I find thoughtful is the adjustable strap. It allows you to customize the tension of the bootie for flexibility and comfort. Unlike Dr. Frederick’s Original Bunion sleeves, this one is hinged by a Velcro strap. This design direction might help to avoid toe blisters. You will likely be able to move with greater ease in this model.
5. Pedidoc Bunion Corrector and Bunion Relief Sleeve
The Pedidoc Bunion splinter features a sleeve fabric that might enable flexibility in movement as you get your toes straightened. There is also a gel pad that you can position directly over the bunion so as to avoid painful friction when wearing the bootie.
Easy to wear Made to be adjustable It will straighten the toes provided you tighten the straps Its hinged design prevents toe blisters A bunion gel pad offers pain relief during the correction process
It might have a short life span compared to others in the review Prone to twisting and loosening when you move about
Its gel pads can be handy when you have to wear shoes for work or sports despite your bunion pain. Also, part of the package here includes a gel toe spacer. This you wedge against your big toe to prevent it from reverting back during the correction process. It might take time, but consistent use of this splint toe spacer could be what saves you from bunion surgery and the associated downtime. The bunion booties come as a pair, and so you have your two feet covered. Then again, the stretchy material of their fabric can be advantageous for all foot sizes. You might also appreciate their light and discreet design. You can wear these sleeves under your shoes, unlike the loud design of the Apex Allure and others reviewed earlier.
Best Bunion Split Conclusion
The Apex Allure - Bunion Splint and Splint Cushions is the pick of the bunch. This product comes as a 12 pack containing all the props you might need to straighten your big toes and others.
It feels sturdy and might be durable Easy to wear Made to be adjustable The Best Pick There is sufficient support and cushioning for your toes You can wear them under your shoes
You might not find the right size if you have small feet The sleeves occasionally come loose
The splint, together with cushioning pads and toe spacers, might also alleviate pain and make the process of bunion rectification a much bearable one. In the kit, you get toe spacers to support your big toes and small toes in the process. The gel pads help to prevent friction and pain when using these braces. As if that’s not enough, the splint material, in this case, is medical grade silicone. That implies that this pair of splints are easy to maintain. Apart from that, the manufacturer assures that this thingamajig is breathable—you can, therefore, expect a comfortable experience when using the braces. There is also an included foot massage ball to help you relax and give your feet some deserved pampering.
