Bunions are a bony prominent that form on the loading joint of first toe or the big toe. They form when there is too much pressure at the joint, at front of the foot or the pressure is coming from the arch of the foot. The main causes of bunions besides heredity reasons are having flat feet or arches that are too high. Also, wearing tight shoes or shoes with small and narrow toe box, or wearing high heels too frequently. As the pressure increases against the base of the big toe, the joint of the first toe starts to increase the surface area to alleviate the built up pressure and that is how the joint of the big toe increases in size and slowly pushes the toe sideways toward the second toe. Bunions can be asymptomatic at the beginning but if they get ignored and left untreated. They will become symptomatic and painful with deformity of the big toe.

Over time, this excessive weight and pressure can cause the big toe to deviate outward and result in the accumulation of layers of cartilage that calcify and harden, forming bunions. While custom foot orthotics cannot reverse the formation of bunions, they can significantly slow down their growth and sometimes even halt their progression by redistributing weight and reducing pressure on the joints of the big toes.

Using proper custom foot orthotics is therefore considered the best approach to prevent bunions from worsening. These orthotic devices help take the weight off the affected areas and promote better alignment and support for the feet. It’s important to note that while orthotics can be highly effective in managing bunions, they may not eliminate them entirely, especially in more advanced cases where surgical intervention may be necessary for complete resolution.

The best way of treating bunions are by finding out the cause of them. Most commonly, they are caused by the bio-mechanical failure of the foot, flat or high arches which can be corrected by custom foot orthotics.

Foot orthotics are the most common and the most effective ways of managing the bunions. By having proper custom orthotics, the height of the arch and the foot can be supported; therefore, less pressure will be loading on the heel and the forefoot portion of the foot. Orthotics can reduce the pain and soreness from the area and eventually remove the pain slowly.

However, one must note that, the formation of bunions is irreversible. Bunions can be managed by a proper footwear and a high quality custom foot orthotics.