Bunion is a disease that is difficult to cure in its advanced stage. Human joints and cartilage are difficult to restore. To avoid disability, many patients agree to surgery. You shouldn’t let the disease get to this point; it’s better to change your lifestyle at the first sign of deformation. An overlay for the thumb bone will help with this - a product that does not cause allergies or irritation. You can use it comfortably without giving up beautiful shoes. The symptoms - pain and inflammation - will disappear, and over time the position of the bone will change.
Indications for use
The use of orthopedic separators makes sense only in cases where the situation is not advanced. Mainly at the initial stage of the pathological process of bone deformation with the possibility of their use around the clock: both day and night.
Such products allow the ligaments of the injured limb and its muscular system to occupy the most comfortable position, and the large deformed finger remains without pathological curvature.
So, I prescribe orthopedic separators if the following pathologies are present:
- poliomyelitis, osteoporosis and arthritis, accompanied by destruction as a result of demineralization of bone tissue;
- excess body weight, which significantly increases the already quite large load on the foot area;
- the presence of congenital or acquired foot defects, after treatment of which various growths and deformities reappear;
- a hereditary factor that plays an important role (therefore this indicator can be placed in first place).
Cost of products
The price of interdigital orthopedic spacers or toe pads varies depending on the material from which they are made and size. But the cost is reasonable, which allows anyone to buy this pad for themselves.
Products for the thumb are cheaper - 100-200 rubles. If you need a separator for all fingers at once, then the cost is slightly higher. The price range for such structures is from 80 to 1000 rubles.
At the initial stage of diseases of the joints and bones of the legs, measures should be taken to eliminate hallux valgus. Orthopedic onlays play an important role in the treatment and prevention of processes that destroy bone tissue.
Use in children
Are there orthopedic toe separators designed for children?
The earlier the pathology is identified and adequate therapy is started in a timely manner, the higher the chance of complete restoration of the functioning of the lower limb. Therefore, initially, the doctor selects special orthopedic shoes for children individually. In this case, the complaints of the small patient, the symptoms of such a pathological process, as well as the age of the baby are taken into account. Orthopedic insoles are used if the child does not have the phenomenon of simplification of the arches and complaints of pain when walking directly in the area of the feet and lower legs.
Silicone orthopedic toe separators are used much less frequently, for example, after surgical interventions on the feet or if the toes rub against each other.
In this case, the selection should be carried out by the attending traumatologist-orthopedist, referring to the individual characteristics of the structure and deformation.
Drug therapy for calluses
Treatment with medications is shown most effectively in the case of the formation of dry growths, as well as in the formation of calluses on a child’s foot.
Callus plasters are used, which have a keratolytic effect.
This method of therapy has a number of advantages:
- when using keratolytics, symptoms of discomfort are reduced
- the patch prevents infection
- accelerates the healing process of the skin
The pharmaceutical industry produces several types of patches.
Let's look at the commonly used ones:
- Salipod. The active ingredient included in this drug is salicylic acid. Under the influence of acid, dying epithelial cells dissolve, and the reproduction of healthy cells is activated. The patch is effective not only against corns, but also against growths with a shallow penetration rod.
- Mozolin. The substances contained in the patch soften rough skin. The soft layers of the growth begin to peel off and healthy tissue remains in place of the callus.
- Space. The product contains silicone. The drug has hypoallergenic properties, helps eliminate pain and stimulates regenerative processes. The patch is recommended for use by people with sensitive skin.
In addition to patches, preparations in the form of gels and ointments based on lactic or salicylic acids can be prescribed.
They effectively remove rough areas of skin.
For corns and dry growths, Bensalitin ointment can be used, acting as an antiseptic;
The disinfecting effect is expressed in Levomekol and Vishnevsky ointment.
Alkaline solutions: sodium hydroxide - promotes the dissolution of dead cells.
Soda baths have a similar effect.
Removing dry callus with a rod
With prolonged irritation of the skin, cell proliferation increases, which provokes thickening of the skin and contributes to the formation of a convex callus with a core.
Therapy for such growths is long-term.
When the convex part of the growth is cut off, it grows again.
Foot baths help remove dry growths on the legs.
The container is filled with hot water and mustard powder or soda is added to it.
After steaming the foot, the stratum corneum of cells can be easily removed.
Then the rod is treated with celandine juice.
This product should be used with great caution so as not to cause a burn to healthy skin.
The area prepared in this way is sealed with a “Salipod” plaster.
This manipulation usually takes a long time and you have to wait several days for the effect.
The problem can be solved much faster with the help of modern techniques for removing skin growths.
You should consult a doctor if some time has passed after the procedure and there is no result.
It is also necessary to urgently go to a specialist if an inflammatory process has developed in the area of the callus (the skin is inflamed and swollen, pus is released).
The doctor will treat the wound to stop the inflammatory reaction and also tell you what to do next.
Perhaps a specialist will prescribe the use of antibiotics.
The doctor will also need to differentiate dropsy caused by skin rubbing from Steven-Johnson syndrome.
The presence of watery blisters is caused by other reasons.
Compound
The most modern and versatile material is a special gel or medical silicone, which does not provoke the development of allergic reactions and is not harmful to human health. Moreover, they have a fairly long shelf life.
The use of silicone is based on the fact that even after a long period of use, this material returns to its original state. In addition, it is quite soft.
This is confirmed by reviews of orthopedic toe separators.
The gel is highly resistant to tearing and damage. Therefore, such separators are made with a ring. Such products lend themselves well to washing with warm water, as well as to disinfection methods.
About orthopedic inserts
Oksana Demchenko, 35 years old, shares her experience: “After the birth of her first baby, she gained a lot of weight, and immediately problems with her legs arose: a persistent dull pain, bones appeared on her big toes, which were constantly rubbing. On the advice of the doctor, she began using orthopedic devices around the clock. The result was not long in coming: after three months there were positive changes. I will continue to wear it to prevent the development of the disease.
But I want to note that only a doctor can help you choose the right type of treatment.
Using orthopedic products, patients undergo a course of complex conservative treatment. For people who do not have problems with their feet, these designs will help prevent the development of unpleasant diseases. Prevention is a smart way to prevent illness, and at the first signs of an onset of illness, there is no need to postpone visiting the doctor. Find out also about the causes of ingrown toenails.
Gel separators
It is used when the shape of the toes (mainly the big toe) changes, and when calluses appear on the interphalangeal joints at the joints. The devices are also excellent for providing high-quality foot care and effectively help combat big toe deformities and corns.
Such orthotics provide comfort when moving, prevent pain and correct foot defects.
Silicone
They prevent finger friction and also serve their purpose quite effectively.
However, they are contraindicated in the presence of open, and especially bleeding, wound surfaces.
Its advantages are that it is easy to use at night and does not cause any discomfort. After six months of use, results appear: the position of the big toe is corrected and the deformity is eliminated. This explains the popularity of the nighttime orthopedic silicone toe separator.
How do gaskets work?
The curvature of the big toe occurs due to stretching of the medial ligament running from the head of the metatarsal bone to the main phalanx of the big toe.
When it fails, the big toe begins to tilt towards the fifth toe, which is accompanied by protrusion of part of the head of the first metatarsal bone to the side.
A similar mechanism contributes to the formation of a painful lump. It gradually increases in size, hurts, and the skin over it turns red and swells.
Orthopedic spacers allow you to straighten your thumb without putting unnecessary stress on the phalanges and place it in a physiological position. After alignment, the finger is fixed, which in the future does not allow it to bend even more.
When using a bunion pad, the following occurs:
- stopping further development of pathology;
- partial reduction of the load on the damaged joint;
- promoting normal alignment of the toes in relation to the foot;
- relief of pain and discomfort;
- prevention of redness, swelling, chafing, calluses and wounds.
Most orthopedic devices can be worn with regular shoes, and you can also wear slippers or flip-flops during hot periods, which will not bring any physical or psychological discomfort.
Big toe brace
Helps reduce pathological changes, reduce to a small extent the inflammatory process of joint tissue, and relieve pain that causes discomfort while walking or wearing high-heeled shoes. This ultimately leads to the restoration of the correct, normal position of the finger.
Correctors for the feet and toes are available in large quantities.
There is a so-called silicone bone retainer, which quickly adapts to the shape of the finger and does not cause any discomfort, being fixed in an anatomically favorable position.
This contributes to a gradual reduction in the size of the pathological growth provided that it is worn continuously. At the same time, the bone protrudes less and practically does not rub.
If you have discomfort and fatigue in your legs after a day, you can use a toe separator called “Bliss,” which is very simple and easy to use. It is simply placed between the toes, having the effect of getting rid of corns, calluses, eliminating discomfort and heaviness in the legs. This product can also be used to prevent deforming changes in the feet. How to properly use interdigital barriers and finger protectors?
Types of overlays
You should consult your doctor to choose the most suitable pad. The following models are available on the market:
- Valufix pad for wearing during sleep;
- Tinydeal – made of gel, easy to use with shoes during the daytime;
- ALTIS are corrective splints whose main purpose is protection during walking and therapeutic exercises. Prevents calluses from appearing and softens the skin of the foot;
- Gehvol – universal, suitable for both day and night wear;
- Valgus Plus quickly relieves pain and has a preventive effect.
Features of use
Use, as a rule, does not cause any difficulties and does not require special skills. You just need to position the separator so that it secures your fingers or one thumb. It all depends on the type of fixative and the area of pathological change. In this case, the product must be pressed tightly. After which you can put on your shoes. Should you take it off before bed? At night, you need to put a sock on top for fixation. The separator can be used around the clock.
