Bunion support: when and how long to wear it?

When and how long to wear a support brace are two frequent questions when having a bunion.

This condition, also called hallux valgus, is a deviation of the first metatarsal inwards of the foot (compared to the central axis of the foot). A second deviation is observed: the first phalanx of the big toe is deviated outwards of the foot (compared to the central axis of the foot). This deformity causes a bony protrusion on the inner side of the foot, hence the name of ‘bunion’.

In the daily life, this condition can become painful and disabling. Moreover, its insidious progression can lead to other deformities (claw toes) or conditions like metatarsalgia (pain in the forefoot). The consequences affect the whole foot and can also cause ball of foot pain, corns or calluses.

To avoid the worsening and complications of a bunion, EPITACT® has created washable and reusable bunion support braces and silicone protections. They are intended to prevent its appearance, to limit its progression and to correct the deformity. Find out some recommendations about their use.

Bunion support: when to wear it?

The first objective of a bunion support is to protect the bunion both at an early and avanced stage. It is recommended to wear plantar medical devices that better distribute pressure. According to one’s objectives, there are two main categories of support braces: bunion protectors and bunion correctors.

Bunion protectors

Wearing this type of bunion support is useful to prevent or protect the big toe deformity, but it does not correct it.

For people whose deformity makes the wearing of shoes uncomfortable and painful, solutions exist. Also, diabetic people have a more fragile skin and frequent wound-healing problems. For this reason, EPITACT® has developed a seamless and comfortable protection*. It can be worn in all types of shoes, avoids frictions and excessive pressure against the bunion.

Bunion correctors

Bunion correctors are useful in the early stages of the condition (the deviation is mild and the big toe still moves laterally).

A day support brace is to wear during daily activities whereas a night splint is intended to resting periods. EPITACT® has created a corrective brace for day* to correct the deformity during motion. It relieves pain, especially joint pain.

With its heat moldable reinforcements, the corrective brace for night* perfectly fits the shape of your foot and limits night pain. It also protects from contact pain between the bunion and the sheets, mattress, etc.

Lastly, the bunion brace for sport* was specifically created to realign the big toe during sports activities. However, these bunion support braces should not be worn if the big toe doesn’t move laterally anymore. For this reason, move your toe and make sure it is still moving before to choose one of these devices.

In any case, a bunion is a deformity that cannot disappear over time. However, wearing protections is favourable because they are all intended to protect the bunion from friction and pressure.

Bunion support: how long to wear it?

As its name suggests, the corrective bunion splint for night* must be worn daily, during resting periods or at night. The first 3 days, it is not recommended to wear it more than 2 hours. After one month, the thermoforming should be renewed to increase the correction, if necessary. If you feel joint pain as soon as the first days of use or after several weeks, consult your podiatrist.

The corrective brace for day* is to wear during periods of activity on a daily basis too. To use during your sports activities, the bunion brace sport* follows the same recommendations. Wearing a bunion support regularly is crucial to enjoy the benefits of its effectiveness. During the first 10 days, wear the bunion support brace progressively (1h/day, then 2h/day, then a few hours, etc.) and pull it backwards little by little to gently correct the big toe deformity. It can be worn as a preventive tool or over longer periods of treatment for hallux valgus. Lastly, the other EPITACT® solution; the bunion protector*, is dedicated to occasional use.

Each protection has specific use recommendations, so do not hesitate to consult their respective instructions.

*These products are class I medical devices that bear the CE marking under this regulation. Carefully the instructions before use. Manufacturer: Millet Innovation. 01/2022