Recently a new entry to the treatment of bunions has entered the marketplace. A bunion sock or more specifically the Bunion Support Women’s Quarter Sock. The thought process behind this recent invention is take the principles of a bunion splint and apply them in a sock. The sock features a pad that goes between the big toe and second toe as well as padding on the outside of the bunion. Additionally, there is a metatarsal pads. Will these socks work for bunions or gain relief from bunion pain?
The answer is they may work for some people but not all. One of the ideas behind a bunion splint is the ability to hold the toe straight. These socks will provide none of that. If you are looking for something to hold your bunion straight, you are better off with a bunion splint like this:
However, if most of your pain eminates from your bunion rubbing against your shoe or sneaker this may help with the padding on the outside. Or if you have pain from your bunion rubbing against your second toe, the spacer included in the sock may help. The metatarsal pad, while a great idea, you can purchase one of these pads most anywhere for less than $5. I would not recommend this for your bunion if you have bunion pain when you flex or extend your joint, as this brace will do nothing for joint pain. It should be noted this sock will only be successful in shoes with a wide toe box. But it only retails for $15 so it maybe worth a try.