Can Bunions Be Corrected with Orthotics?

If you’ve ever noticed a bony bump at the base of your big toe, you might already know what a bunion is. They’re a common problem — around 19% of people get a bunion at some time in their lives, with women and those over 60 being most at risk.

Bunions are not just about appearance. They can cause pain, swelling, and even make it hard to walk comfortably. At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, we often meet patients who wonder if orthotics can correct bunions. 

Let’s dive into this question and explore what orthotics can and cannot do when it comes to treating bunions.

What is a bunion, exactly?

A bunion develops when the bones at the front of your foot move out of place. This makes your big toe lean toward the second toe, causing a bump to form at the base of the big toe joint.

Over time, this misalignment can get worse, leading to more discomfort. People often describe bunion pain as aching, burning, or even sharp, especially after standing or walking for long periods. The skin over a bunion often becomes shiny, tight, and red.

Many things can cause bunions. Genetics play a role, meaning if your family members have bunions, you might be more likely to get them, too. Certain health conditions, like arthritis, may increase your risk as well.

Wearing tight or narrow shoes, especially ones with pointed toes or high heels, can also add pressure and speed up bunion development.

How orthotics help with bunions

Orthotics are special shoe inserts that support your feet and improve the way you walk. Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet. At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, we carefully assess each patient’s foot shape and walking style to create orthotics that meet their needs.

Orthotics play an important role in managing symptoms when it comes to bunions. They help by:

Redistributing pressure

Orthotics spread your body weight more evenly across your feet. This reduces the pressure on the bunion area, which can ease pain.

Improving alignment

While orthotics won’t move bones back into place, they can support better foot alignment to slow down the bunion’s progression.

Reducing friction

By improving how your foot fits in your shoe, orthotics lower the risk of painful rubbing and skin irritation around the bunion.

Many patients find that custom orthotics allow them to stay active and comfortable, even if they have moderate bunions.

Can orthotics correct bunions?

Here’s the honest answer: Orthotics cannot reverse or fully correct a bunion. Once the bones shift and a bunion forms, only surgery can realign them.

But orthotics serve as a valuable nonsurgical option to manage discomfort, prevent the bunion from worsening, and help you maintain an active lifestyle. Several studies show that custom orthotics can significantly ease pain and other bunion symptoms.

Think of orthotics as part of a larger treatment plan. Along with wearing supportive shoes, avoiding high heels, and doing foot exercises, you can experience a noticeable difference in your daily comfort by wearing orthotics.

When to consider orthotics for bunions

Orthotics are worth considering if you’re experiencing early signs of a bunion, like tenderness, swelling, or trouble finding comfortable shoes. They’re especially helpful if:

• You spend long hours on your feet
• You have a family history of bunions
• Your job or hobbies involve lots of walking or standing
• You want to avoid or delay surgery

The sooner you address a developing bunion, the better your chances of managing it without surgical intervention.

While orthotics won’t make a bunion disappear, they can definitely improve how your feet feel every day. 

At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, we believe in giving patients all the tools they need to stay mobile and pain-free, so if you’re dealing with bunion discomfort, we encourage you to schedule a consultation by phone or by using our online booking form.

We’ll examine your feet, discuss your lifestyle, and help you find the best treatment options, including whether custom orthotics are right for you.