Can Bunions Be Corrected With Orthotics?

About 1 in 5 Americans have bunions, a progressive foot disorder that causes pain and mobility issues. If you’ve been diagnosed with a bunion in the early stages, you may be able to correct the condition nonsurgically before it gets worse.

Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons specializes in diagnosing bunions in men and women. Our offices feature diagnostic imaging technologies to assess the severity of a bunion deformity and help our team determine which treatments are appropriate for you.

Kaveh Panahi, DPM, takes the least invasive approach to managing bunions when possible. He  also offers advanced, minimally invasive surgeries to correct severe bunions and restore full function in your foot.

Why you have a bunion

A bunion describes an abnormal bend in the base of your big toe joint. The deformity most often occurs from the pressure of tight or narrow shoes that force the big toe sideways.

You may also be prone to bunions due to:

• Foot injuries
• Flat feet
• Low arches
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Genetic bone conditions

Women tend to develop bunions more often than men, especially those who wear narrow shoes or high heels. Women’s foot ligaments and tendons are also generally weaker than men’s, making them more likely to develop bunions and other foot alignment issues.

Bunions become more prevalent as you age. It’s estimated that approximately 35.7% of people over 65 have bunions.

Early-stage bunion treatment options

One of the most effective treatment options for a bunion in the early stages of development is custom orthotics. Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers fully customized orthotics made with the highest quality materials at an affordable price.

Dr. Panahi designs shoe inserts and other orthotics by taking accurate measurements of your feet. He also considers your foot structure, gait, and the severity of the bunion when creating your orthotics.

When your inserts are ready, we ensure they fit the contours of your feet comfortably and provide guidance about how to use your custom orthotics properly.

Benefits of custom orthotics for bunions

Custom orthotics offer many benefits for people with mild to moderate bunions that don’t yet qualify for surgical correction.

You can benefit from the extra cushioning flexible orthotics provide to reduce pressure on your toes. Dr. Panahi may also recommend orthotics made of rigid materials that help keep your ankles, feet, and toes in proper alignment.

Other benefits of custom orthotics for bunions include:

Delayed bunion progression

If left untreated, bunions can get worse. Wearing custom orthotics helps relieve pressure on your big toe joint to slow down the progression of the deformity.

Pain relief

Custom orthotics mold to the natural shape of your foot to distribute your weight more evenly. This helps take the pressure off your foot and toes to prevent pain and swelling in your joints.

Protection against complications

The use of custom orthotics can reduce your risk for bunion-related complications like calluses and hammertoe.

Minimized need for surgery

Uncorrected bunions often require surgical realignment of your big toe joint. Wearing custom orthotics as directed by Dr. Panahi can delay or avoid the need for an invasive procedure.

Call Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Peoria or Phoenix, Arizona, today to schedule a custom orthotics consultation. You can also book an appointment online.