Can Orthotics Correct My Bunions?

Whether it’s walking, jogging, working, or doing things around the house, we use our feet a lot, and foot pain is a common problem for millions of people. A survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) shows that adults express foot pain 77% of the time. Still, a mere third of that amount sought help for these issues. The pain can stem from several issues, including injuries, diseases, and foot deformities.

Foot deformities have many causes, including congenital conditions, neurological problems, diabetes, and ill-fitting shoes. Bunions are a common type of deformity that affects how well you can use the affected foot. Several options are available to manage the condition, and orthotics is a top solution

If you live in the Tarzana or Inglewood, California area, and you’re struggling with bunions or other foot problems, Drs. Ashkan Soleymani, Michael Salih, Arash Jalil, Saman Tabari and their team at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center can help.

What are bunions?

Also referred to as hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony bump that forms on the big toe, specifically on the inside edge of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint that connects the bone to the rest of your foot. The bump that forms causes your toe to misalign in the joint, pushing it inward towards the other toes on your foot. They often form from pressure put on the foot, but there are different types, such as:

• Congenital: infants can be born with them

• Juvenile: the type that affects people under 18

• Bunionette: when the bunion forms on the little toe rather than the big one

It’s estimated that a third of Americans deal with bunions. In addition to the pain, you can also experience stiffness, swelling, redness, immobility in the joint, corns, calluses, numbness, hammertoes, and problems finding shoes that fit. 

What are the risk factors and complications?

Wearing ill-fitting shoes is a common factor in developing bunions, especially if they create pressure on the front inside area by the big toe. Medical conditions, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, can change the shape of your foot, and increase your chances of dealing with bunions and other foot problems. 

Foot injuries and a family history of the deformity are also high risk factors. Having bunions also increases your risk of chronic pain and osteoarthritis, which damages the joints it affects.

How do orthotics help?

Orthotics are inserts placed in your shoe to help manage several foot problems and adjust your gait and posture. With bunions, orthotics can relieve the pain associated with them, and we can custom fit them to your foot. This, combined with splinting, taping, and toe spacers, can help slow down the progression of bunions and alleviate the need for surgical options to manage them.

Orthotics and other nonsurgical solutions can help you live with bunions without the discomfort they can cause. For orthotic care and other treatments for foot conditions, make an appointment at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center today.