Can Orthotics Correct My Bunions?

If you have bunions, you may wonder how to correct this type of foot deformity without surgery. One answer: Custom orthotics. 

At Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, often recommend custom orthotics as an effective non-surgical option. Here’s what you need to know about bunions and how to manage them with the right support.

How do I know if I have a bunion?

A bunion develops when something puts pressure on your big toe over time. This slowly causes your metatarsophalangeal joint to bulge out sideways, creating a visible bump on the inside of your foot beneath your big toe. 

Bunions are common and may not cause symptoms. But often, the following issues can develop:

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Difficulty wearing certain shoes
• Corns or calluses where skin rubs against your shoes
• Numbness near your big toe
• Inability to move your big toe

A bump on the inner side of the foot is the most prominent symptom. You can also develop a bunion on one or both feet. 

Custom orthotics can help

Orthotics are inserts that change the distribution of weight across the different parts of your feet. They fit into many different kinds of shoes, and you can usually transfer them from one pair of shoes to another. 

While over-the-counter orthotics provide additional cushioning, they don’t account for your unique foot structure. Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are designed according to the exact specifications of your feet. 

Custom orthotics can prevent a bunion from worsening by relieving pressure on your metatarsophalangeal joint. If wearing tight shoes caused or contributed to your bunion, changing to footwear with more room in the toe area can also stop it from getting worse. 

Orthotics can’t correct advanced bunions, but if you use them as soon as you notice changes in your metatarsophalangeal joint, you may be able to relieve the pressure soon enough to allow the joint to realign properly. 

Get started today

Treating bunions begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation at Capitol Podiatry Associates. If orthotics make sense for you, we will begin the fitting process during your visit. Once your orthotics arrive, you can start wearing them daily. 

Reach out today to book a visit at Capital Podiatry Associates. We’ll explain which treatment options can help correct your bunions and let you know what to expect. Custom orthotics may be a wonderful fit, and can help you feel much better about the shape and appearance of your feet.