How Do Bunion Splints Work?

Bunions are one of the most common orthopedic issues one can experience, with roughly 1 in 3 adults in the United States estimated to suffer from bunions yearly. Bunions can be unsightly and uncomfortable and can hinder your everyday life and activities if left untreated. As a result, several nonsurgical methods are designed to treat and relieve bunion pain. 

The bunion splint is one of the most popular products on the market, designed to alleviate the pain associated with bunions. So, how do bunion splints work? Essentially, bunion splints space out the toes to cut down on bunion pain and– in theory –– realign the foot. In practice, bunion splints may be ineffective for many people dealing with irritating bunions. Keep reading to learn more about bunion splints and whether or not they are an effective treatment for pesky bunions.  

Do Bunion Splints Cure Bunions?  

The short answer to this question is no; bunion splints do not act to cure bunions. 

Bunions are bony lumps on the side of one’s toe due to an imbalance in the alignment of specific joints and bones in the foot. This imbalance may occur due to years of pressure on the foot. That’s why individuals who wear high heels or other tight-fitting shoes regularly will often experience bunions. Alternatively, some individuals have a genetic predisposition to developing bunions or can create them due to traumatic injuries from sports or other physical activities. 

Regardless of how a bunion forms, once it does, it will not get better with time. Instead, bunions tend only to get worse over the years until they’re removed. In reality, palliative treatments like bunion splints, pads, cushions, and particular footwear act as relative “band-aids.” So while these products may provide an individual with some pain relief in a given moment, they don’t offer long-term solutions to bunion pain. 

Treating Bunion Pain for Good

Bunion splints might help to alleviate some of the pain associated with bunions temporarily, but the only way to permanently remove a bunion is to undergo a surgical procedure. Unfortunately, bunion surgery is widely considered one of the most painful surgeries one can experience and often includes a lengthy and challenging recovery period post-operation. The good news is that minimally invasive surgery at clinics like Northwest Surgery Center can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional bunion removal surgery. Minimally invasive procedures are also faster and less painful than conventional surgery, making them the perfect option for those suffering from uncomfortable bunions and looking for fast pain relief.  Unlike bunion removal procedures of the past, modern surgeons can remove a bunion in an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. Moreover, the surgery leaves minimal scarring, and most patients can walk around and drive home afterward. Bunion surgery is the perfect solution for individuals fed up with bunion pain and ineffective over-the-counter treatments. 

Bunion Splints for Post-Operative Care

Generally, recovery post-bunion surgery is relatively light after minimally invasive surgery. Patients can usually return to their daily routine quickly, though they may experience discomfort following the surgery. Though bunion splints can’t cure bunions, they do provide some value for individuals recovering from bunion surgery. Indeed, bunion splints can help maintain the correct foot alignment after the procedure, stretch critical ligaments and tendons, and even help break apart scar tissue. In this instance, bunion splints can significantly help individuals looking to increase their range of motion and return to living their everyday lives as soon as possible after bunion surgery. 

Conclusion

If you suffer from orthopedic issues like bunions, at-home treatment methods and tools like bunion splints will not relieve long-term pain. The only way to treat bunions and put a permanent end to pain and discomfort is by undergoing bunion removal surgery. 

At Northwest Surgery Center, our expert team of medical professionals uses the most advanced methods and sophisticated tools to ensure positive outcomes for all our patients. We specialize in treating foot pain issues, and we can help you address problems like bunions, corns, hammertoes, and heel spurs using minimally invasive surgery that is fast, safe, and effective. 

If you’re tired of bunions hindering your everyday life and ready to end the pain once and for all, please schedule an appointment with Northwest Surgery Center to learn more about your options for treatment. Contact us here for more information on our minimally invasive procedures or to schedule a free consultation today.