Orthotic Solutions

• Pinnacle Plus Full Length Orthotics: The design of the Pinnacle Plus includes built-in arch support and a heel cradle for increased stability and comfort. With maximum cushioning, these orthotics help alleviate pain caused by bunions.
• Custom Orthotics: Powerstep custom orthotics utilize lightweight materials that mold to your foot in just minutes for optimal comfort and support to combat pain associated with bunions.
• Ball of Foot Cushions: These cushioned foam pads that are placed under the ball of your foot help alleviate pain from the metatarsal heads and calluses that can be caused by bunions.

What Are Bunions?

Look down at your foot and run your finger along the inside, from the heel to the top of your big toe. As you move towards your big toe, there is a small curve at the base. For 23% of people aged 18-65, that curve is a large, painful bump called a bunion at the joint of the big toe. A bunion results from the misalignment of the toe’s joint, causing the big toe to rotate towards the other toes. The deformity leads to pain while walking and a result of friction from your shoes.

What Causes Bunions

It’s unclear what the direct causes are, but bunions are common in families who have weak foot structures due to genetic factors, and those with overpronated feet are often prone to the deformity. Bunions tend to form in adulthood as we put more stress and pressure on our feet. The deformity is found more in women as a result of wearing tight, constricting high heels on a regular basis that push the toes into an unnatural position.

Common Symptoms of Bunions

The discomfort and pain from bunions progresses over time, as bunions can take years to develop. Common symptoms of bunions include:

• Seeing a large, angular bump sticking out at the base of the big toe
• Swelling in the affected area and pain when touched.
• Pain at the base of the big toe when walking or wearing shoes.
• Development of arthritis in the affected area, leading to chronic pain.

Bunions Treatment Plan

Common, over-the-counter treatments can help manage and relieve the symptoms of bunions. Start with resting your feet as much as possible and wearing loose, wide-fitting shoes that limit friction and don’t rub against the affected area. Other treatments include taking anti-inflammatory medicine and leveraging custom orthotic insoles that can help relieve pain and manage overpronation. For more serious cases of bunions where symptoms can’t be treated with non-surgical treatments, surgery may be required to correct the condition. If you’re having chronic pain and are unable to walk, run, or where your usual shoes, make an appointment with your doctor to evaluate your condition and determine the best form of treatment.