Foot pain is flat out terrible. It can affect how you engage in basic, everyday activities and leave you feeling miserable. Whether you are working in the corporate world wearing high heels or dress shoes every day, or you’re a stay-at-home parent chasing after small kids, pain in your feet can severely disrupt your daily routine.
You shouldn’t take the formation of bunions lightly. Although they may be manageable at first, the pain can intensify and cause more significant problems in the future if not taken care of promptly. So, to answer our question of the day: can toe separators for bunions help your pain? (Short answer: not really.)
What are Bunions and How Do They Form?
Bunions are bumps that form on the side of the big toe joint. They are hard, bony, and sometimes red. Although you will usually find bunions on your big toe, they can also develop on the little toe joint. These bumps can be extremely painful and cause your toes to swell.
Bunions can form in different ways. The most common reason behind the formation of a bunion is wearing poorly fitting shoes. High heels, shoes that are too big or too small, or shoes that don’t have a lot of support can play a factor in whether you get a bunion or not.
Some people are also more likely to get bunions based on hereditary factors. The shape and structure of the bones in your feet can make you more susceptible to bunions. One of the most challenging parts of having a bunion is finding pain relief while trying to get treatment, and that is where toe separators come in handy.
How Do Toe Separators Work?
In theory, one of the easiest methods for quick pain removal for your bunion is using a toe separator. These devices slide over your big toe, your second toe, or sometimes both, to create a space between the toes and take pressure off the bunion. Or at least, that’s how they’re supposed to work. Most of the time, toe separators for bunions accomplish little more than short-term pain relief. And as bunions grow and get worse over time, devices like toe separators will prove even less effective.
Toe separators are usually made of a gel-like material to provide the most comfort. Some separators extend down over the ball of your foot. If you feel pain in the ball of your foot and on the bunion, you can find a toe separator that will give you some relief.
While there are various toe separators for bunions to choose from, remember that this will only be a temporary fix at best. Toe separators will relieve pressure while in use but will not make the bunion go away. As such, the best thing to do if you have a bunion is to seek out treatment from a professional.
Contact Us
At Northwest Surgery Center, we specialize in minimally invasive foot surgery. We can help you deal with a range of common foot-pain issues without the hassle and drawbacks associated with a traditional bunionectomy or open-foot procedure. Contact us here to learn more!
FAQs
While the scientific evidence supporting the use of toe spacers for bunions is limited, many people report experiencing relief from their bunion symptoms when using these devices. While toe spacers may not be a cure for bunions, they can potentially provide some relief for those suffering from this painful condition.
Do bunion correctors relieve pain? ›
Bunion correctors might temporarily relieve pain associated with bunions, but they do not treat bunion pain at the source.
What do podiatrists think of toe spreaders? ›
Almost anybody can wear toe separators, and they are highly recommended by podiatrists for pain relief. However, if you have any concerns or medical issues, it is always best to consult a medical professional before adding toe separators to your routine.
How long should you wear toe separators for bunions? ›
Wear the item for 10-15 minutes at a time. Gradually increase the wearing time to an hour or more. Some people wear toe spacers all day but to be most effective, they should not be worn with shoes. It is important to listen to your body and adjust the amount of time you wear the spacers based on your comfort level.
How do I get my bunion to stop hurting? ›
You may also try choosing shoes with a stiff sole. This prevents the big toe joint from flexing as much as with a softer-soled shoe. This may help if your bunion pain is from arthritis in the joint. You can also place an ice pack on the bunion after you finish walking to reduce the swelling.
Do toe spreaders help bunion pain? ›
By gently separating the toes, toe spacers can help prevent the toes from rubbing against each other, which can lead to pain and discomfort for those suffering from bunions. They can also potentially slow the progression of the bunion by helping to correct any underlying alignment issues.
Do podiatrists recommend bunion correctors? ›
Our podiatrists say that while over-the-counter options can't fully rid bunions, they can alleviate pain and offer temporary relief. Function: There are many options to help manage your bunions, including bunion correctors, toe spacers, gels, padding, and even wide-toe box shoes.
Can I leave toe separators on all night? ›
You can even wear toe spacers at night when you go to sleep, however, it is advisable to allow your feet and toes to adjust to the product for shorter periods of time before wearing them overnight.
What is the incorrect use of toe separators? ›
If you can't wear the spacer inside footwear, or use it while walking or running, it's unlikely to have even a modest effect on realigning your toes. Using toe spacers while at rest may be a good general practice, but it's not going to have an appreciable or lasting effect on toe alignment or foot rehabilitation.
Should you sleep with bunion separators on? ›
When you're sleeping, you can wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight. This will ease the discomfort you may have, which might actually also help you fall asleep. These toe spacers or bunions splints hold the big toe straight and can physically push the big toe back its normal alignment.
High-heeled shoes force your toes to cram together in the front of your shoe where they bear the full weight of your body in a concentrated area. This puts pressure on your toe joints and causes inflammation and friction that may lead to the formation of a bunion or make the one you have even worse.
Why is my bunion so painful? ›
"A bunion develops slowly over time as pressure on the big toe joint causes the normal structure of the joint to change, shifting it out of alignment," explains Dr. Friedmann. "This results in the big toe leaning toward the second toe and a bony bump forming on the outside of the big toe, causing pain."
Do bunions ever stop hurting? ›
As bunions become worse, they can become painful or the lesser toes can become painful. Many bunions do not become painful or change over time. With appropriate shoes, bunions can remain stable and may not limit your activity level. The primary indication for surgical treatment of a bunion is pain.
How long does it take for a bunion corrector to work? ›
This means that bunion correctors are going to need a longer time to help. You are going to need to persist with them for months to get any good affect. There is not going to be an overnight improvement.
How good are bunion correctors? ›
The level of effectiveness a bunion corrector has largely depends on how severe your bunion is. For the majority of people that do not require surgery, they work well in relieving pain and reducing swelling, corns and calluses.
Will compression socks help bunion pain? ›
Moreover, compression socks can help relieve pain, irritation, and localized swelling caused by bunions.
