For those that regularly have pain associated with their big toe, a hallux-valgus bunion splint can offer some relief. Some people have had their bunions disappear with use, but this does not happen for everyone. However, even those whose bunions do not completely disappear will still feel relief from the use of one of these splints.
The splint works by separating the big toe from the other toes on the foot. This gives relief by redistributing the pressure that is on the foot during daily activities. The result is better alignment in the foot and removes much of the pressure on the bunion. Pressure is one of the biggest contributing factors in the creation and worsening of bunions, which is why some find their bunions are corrected through the splint.
This splint is also helpful for those recovering from bunion surgery. It works to keep the region in which the bunion was removed safe from too much pressure. Splints are designed for either day or night use, with some boasting the ability to work in both cases. When choosing a splint, it should be very comfortable during wear and should be adjustable for the user’s comfort and support. However, each person’s foot is different. With that in mind, there are seven different popular bunion splints to choose from, each with different pros and cons in its use.
Bunion Aid™ Medial Mid-Foot Brace
For patients with more advanced cases of the Hallux valgus, there is a mid-foot brace to help give extra support. When bunions become more severe, the compression that comes from the side of this splint helps to give much needed support for the metatarsal bones. This helps to alleviate some of the pressure away from the bunion, particularly when shoes are being worn. Further, there is a metatarsal pad that gives a life to the transverse foot arch, which provides even better support not only for the bunion, but the foot in general.
This splint is not designed to correct any deformity. Instead, this is helpful for giving pain relief to those that are in the most severe stages of bunions. The best part of this design is how adjustable it is. Customers have noted its ability to form to any foot while providing cushion. Elastic sleeve foot arch supports tend to pleat, roll, or lose shape, which can cause other issues for the foot. Instead, this brace stays fully in place and is adjusted to fit as though it were custom made.
Bunion Aid™ Bunion Treatment Splint
This product is one of the award winning options and regularly receives accolades for its ability to help relieve the pressure of bunions. The splint is equipped with both a hook and a loop anatomical strap that goes around the big toe, and another that goes around the middle of the foot. These straps are all connected by a padded splint, which is meant to lie along the inner side of the foot, extending from the support of the big toe.
The splint is great for many different conditions, though it is designed with mild to moderate bunions in mind. The underlying foot function is treated through the comfort of having a soft splint but with the support expected from a rigid spine. Additionally, the strap in the middle of the foot helps to stabilize the arches. This can help prevent other foot problems from developing as the bunions are given needed support.
Darco TAS™ Toe Alignment Splint
The Darco TAS™Toe Alignment Splint is the most popular choice for post-surgical use. This is likely due to its soft and flexible design, along with how comfortable it is to wear while walking. The device has five different straps in order to splint between one to all five of the toes on the foot. There is a thin elastic metatarsal band that helps to reduce slipping of the device on the foot. The soft toe straps hold the toes in proper place to help in maintaining the correct alignment after a surgery.
This splint can also be helpful with other ailments. It has been known to have great results for those suffering from hammertoe and tailor’s bunions in addition to its use for post-surgery.
