Fixator for the big toe - description, types, application. Bunion bandage: which one to choose? Big toe straightening bandage

Modern medicine is rich in various devices and devices that help not only prevent the development of the disease, but also cure it. A foot bandage can prevent progression. Some types of bracing devices treat this deformity by realigning the joint between the finger bones into its natural position.

Valgus deformity

Among people over 30, especially women, the problem of “” on the side of the foot is well known. In fact, the bone does not grow. The fact is that the joint between the bones of the thumb undergoes curvature, in which the lower bone deviates to the side and outward, while the upper one tends to remain in its original position. This joint deformity is called valgus.

An unnoticeable curvature of the thumb joint can be detected by certain signs:

Redness of the skin in the joint area.
Painful sensations.
Formation of calluses and corns.

There are many ways on the thumb. It is necessary to pay attention to the causes of its occurrence, that is, to treat the underlying disease. But to avoid discomfort and pain, you should also choose and wear a leg brace.

The bandage also has a therapeutic effect - it returns the bone to its original position and fixes it.

Kinds

The problem of hallux valgus is known to many first-hand, which is why there is such a large selection in pharmacies and specialty stores with orthopedic products. The entire variety of toe bandages is divided into 3 types:

Fixing.
Abductors.
Proofreaders.

Also, according to the time of wearing, these devices are divided into daytime devices and nighttime ones.

Retainer

The daytime valgus brace does not have a therapeutic effect, but it helps relieve pain and discomfort. Its main action:

Reducing the load on the toes.
Fixation of the joint in its original position.
Prevents the formation of calluses when wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Relief from pain and discomfort.
Reduced fatigue when walking.
Relieving the burning sensation of the foot.
Relief from the unpleasant sensations of rubbing your fingers against each other.

The daily retainer is made of elastic (gel) material. It does not put harsh pressure on the foot. The gel fixative consists of two elements - a petal that tightly and carefully clasps the painful area of the bone, and a roller that is placed between the big and index toes. Therefore, the gel retainer can be worn during the day to relieve the foot from being compressed by tight shoes.

Application of gel fixative:

Will improve the condition of a patient with hallux valgus deformity.
Prevents the progression of pathology.
Will speed up recovery when combined with other treatment methods.
Reduces joint tension.

Advantages:

Suitable for any foot size.
Easy to put on, wear and care for.
It goes with any shoes because it is elastic and invisible.
Immediately relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
It's inexpensive.

Such a retainer will also have a preventive effect in case of hallux valgus at an early stage.

Instructions for using the gel fixative:

Before you start using it, make sure that there are no fungal formations on your leg.
Foot with wounds and scratches must be healed before using the fixator.
The time of use of the device should not exceed 6 – 8 hours.
The device must be kept clean and treated from time to time with warm water and baby soap.

A specialist should prescribe a foot bandage for you. After all, only an orthopedist can decide which brace is right for you personally to treat the deformity.

Abductor night bandage

Night orthopedic bandage treats the disease. The effect appears already at the beginning of its use. What is the effect of the diverting bandage device:

Relieves pain from joint deformation.
It has an anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effect.
The gait becomes easy, and the feeling of discomfort goes away.
The device protects the foot from calluses and corns.
The foot becomes more flexible and mobile.
Blood flow in the legs improves.
The device takes on part of the load on the sore joint.
Joint pain disappears at night.

The night version of the device works when a person’s muscles are relaxed during sleep. At this time, the rigid structure of the device holds the finger bones in an anatomically correct position for several hours and helps them grow together.

An abductor night brace holds the foot in the desired position more securely than a corrector. At night there is no load on the toe, which also contributes to faster healing of the joint.

This type of therapeutic device affects the soft tissues of the foot, they relax, and, as a result, inflammation goes away. The pain disappears, the joint fuses in the correct position.

The abductor night bandage consists of a splint, a belt and a fastening system. Method of use:

Remove the device from the packaging.
Place the splint on your thumb.
Place the strap around your foot.
Thread it through the hook.
Set a comfortable finger angle.
Secure the belt in the desired position using Velcro.
Go to bed.
In the morning, remove the device without getting out of bed.

The package contains 2 sets - for the left and right legs, marked with the letters L and R. Choose the one you need.

In order for the treatment to bring a good result, you need to put on the device every night and not take it off until the morning. Complete healing may take several months, depending on the stage of the deformity when the bandage device was first applied.

Properties

Despite the considerable duration of treatment with this device, the patient will feel some improvement in his condition almost immediately after starting treatment:

The curvature of the thumb will noticeably decrease, and the bump will begin to lose volume.
The tension in the muscles of the joint will decrease.
With each wearing, the pain will decrease.
The big toe that is prone to bending will become easier to move.
The swelling will go away and the inflammation will disappear.
Walking will become easier.
The transverse arch of the foot will gradually begin to recover.

Advantages of the abductor night bandage:

Strong fixation of the finger and joint in the correct position.
Convenient finger angle adjustment.
Elimination of joint inflammation.
Relief from pain.
Convenient way to attach to the leg.
The size fits any foot.
Strength and durability of the device.
The material of the device does not cause allergies.
The joint does not rub due to the fact that the treatment occurs during sleep.

The low price of the device also plays an important role in the decision to be treated with this particular type of bandage.

How to wear it correctly?

Treatment will bring positive results only if you follow the instructions for using the device. Rules for wearing an abductor bandage:

The device will help with finger curvature of no more than 50%.
This remedy is not suitable for arthritis, gout, rheumatism.
Before using the device, all abrasions and cuts on the foot must be treated.
The belt is tightened tightly, but not to such an extent that it causes pain.
Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor.
You cannot walk with a night brace on your leg.
The device should be washed with water and baby soap or shampoo.

Simultaneously with treatment with a bandage device, other measures must be taken:

Uncomfortable shoes should be removed from your wardrobe.
If the patient is overweight, you should visit a nutritionist and try to lose weight.
As a complex therapy, you should take anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your doctor.

The doctor may also prescribe massage and physical therapy during the day when the leg is free from the brace.

Corrective devices

Correctors are used during the rehabilitation period after surgery. They do not cure the deformity, but do not allow it to develop. The corrector consists of:

A large bandage device - a piece of airtight flexible material with Velcro.
Small bandage - the same thing, but smaller in size.
A hinge for connecting two devices together (a small pad is attached to it).
A small spacer under the joint.

A large bandage device is placed on the foot, and a small one is placed on the big toe. The hinge connects the 2 parts together to maintain mobility, and the pad provides a snug fit to the crooked joint for stability. The padding under the joint compensates for the load during physical exercise. This device can be worn on any leg.

Correctors are put on at the first suspicion of deformity of the thumb joint so that the disease does not progress.

Corrective bandages are effective in combination with other treatment methods - massage, baths, rubbing in various ointments, and so on. The doctor prescribes the treatment to the patient.

The corrector reduces the feeling of pain and fatigue when walking. It will allow you to wear regular shoes without feeling discomfort. When used during the postoperative rehabilitation period, the patient recovers faster.

Depending on the material used, corrective devices can be fabric or silicone (gel). There are correctors mixed in material. Some devices are made of plastic.

Depending on the functions, such devices can be adjustable or non-adjustable. Adjustable ones are more effective, but can only be used at night.

Which bandage to choose?

There are many different devices available for the treatment of hallux valgus. Only an orthopedic doctor can help you choose a bandage from all their variations. He will tell you not only the type of device, but also the manufacturer. The doctor will show you how to properly put on the selected device.

The price of a bandage ranges from 200 to 1500 rubles. But basing your choice only on price is wrong. Moreover, many devices of this type are quite durable, and the investment of money is completely justified. And cheaper products have a simplified design. They do not adjust the angle of the finger, so when a certain effect is achieved, further treatment requires purchasing another bandage.

When selecting a device, the orthopedist takes into account various factors:

If the patient is of retirement age, a bandage is often required to relieve pain and inflammation. The pensioner should be able to wear the device at home by wearing slippers.
If the patient leads an active lifestyle, it is better to prescribe a night bandage device. It can completely cure the deformity if used for several months.
Children are prescribed silicone bandages for the big toe to prevent discomfort during any physical exercise.

You can buy the necessary device at an orthopedic salon. They are also sold in online stores, but in the salon a specialist will help you choose the size if necessary.

Almost all orthopedists prescribe corrective bandages in the postoperative period.

A fixator, also known as a corrector or bandage for a bunion, is an interesting therapeutic accessory. There are many types of such products, some of them are highly effective, others are of no value. You can understand the “correct” devices if you study the features of their design and impact on the protruding leg bone.

Bunion bandages can be divided according to different criteria.. There are two types of correctors based on wearing time:

Night splints are the hardest splints, which are difficult to combine with shoes, but their benefits are the highest (they are worn at night for 8-9 hours, the main effect is to gradually return the big toe to its place);
Daytime ones are softer or adjustable articulated accessories that offer maximum comfort when using shoes (one of their priorities is eliminating pain when moving; the largest group of bandages belongs to the category of abductors).

Hinged braces with the possibility of adjustment and additional fastening are often recommended by orthopedists, since they ideally adapt to the characteristics of the foot, but allow the defect to be correctly eliminated.

Classification by materials

Orthopedic bandages can be made from different materials, and their effectiveness directly depends on this:

At the middle stage of pathology, all fixators, except hinged and some types of combined ones, will be of no value. Silicone pads that do not fix the position of the thumb and bone will also be useless even from the point of view of eliminating simple discomfort.

A good brace has several purposes: it normalizes the position of the thumb, relieves pressure from the rest, protects against calluses and corns, eliminates pain and even helps get rid of inflammatory processes.

More information about articulated bands

The classic orthopedic bandage for bunions of a corrective type (corrector with hinges) belongs to the category of the most effective accessories for the treatment of hallux valgus. It is able to stop and correct hallux valgus deformity. The design includes:

Large bandage - soft material with Velcro, excellent air permeability, is put on the leg and fixed in a comfortable state;
Small bandage - repeats the design of the large one, but is small in size and is worn on the thumb;
Hinge with a pad - attached to both bandages and provides a tight fit to the bone, its fixation, while the hinge ensures mobility;
Drop-shaped pad - supports the arch under the metatarsal bone and distributes the load during walking.

The corrective bandage for bunions is part of the group of universal devices. It is suitable for a person with any foot shape, as it is easily adjusted to the desired size and position of the bone.

Features of the abductor bandage

Abductor bunion braces are designed to eliminate stress on the toes and stop deformities. Day braces are often made from an elastic band, placed over the big toe and secured behind the heel. Fabric bandages are washable and help maintain foot hygiene.

Night correctors and fixators often have a complex and rigid design, similar to a corrective accessory. Only here there is no large bandage, but an elastic band. Such devices need to be selected according to size; they correspond to the established foot length and are available in sizes 34 to 44. Such a leg brace costs about 3,000 rubles.

The benefits of using bandages

A fixator for a bunion helps if it is chosen correctly and is used in the first stages of deformity. In this case, its advantages are revealed to the maximum:

Eliminates the need for surgery, offering safe and comfortable treatment;
As a preventative measure, simple bandages are simply ideal; they provide 100% protection against corns and calluses;
An orthopedic leg brace eliminates fatigue, excessive stress, prevents flat feet, arthritis and bursitis of the joints;
Among the selection presented, it is easy to choose a product that will suit any person;
Using the bandage does not require skills or even reading the instructions.

But bandages for bunions also have contraindications: gout, ulcers and wounds, surgical scars, as well as the presence of a fungal infection and poor circulation. The remedy will not be effective in the last stages of hallux valgus, when the bones are large.

Can a bandage help?

People's reviews of bunion braces are divided on the Internet, like any other opinions, into two groups: positive and negative. There is also a percentage of indifferent people who could not evaluate the effectiveness of the product. But if the retainer is selected correctly, and an orthopedic surgeon takes part in the process, then the effectiveness of such an accessory will be noticeable:

Helps relieve pain and discomfort during rest or movement;
Protects against corns and other formations on the skin;
Some types are even suitable for narrow shoes, which can be difficult for women to refuse even with hallux valgus;
The cost of bandages is quite affordable for any user;
The materials used are always hypoallergenic and do not provoke fungus or other unpleasant consequences;
High-quality clamps support fingers in the correct position and distribute the load;
They reduce the risk of flat feet and flattened arches;
The bandage cannot cause a relapse.

Among other positive aspects, both doctors and patients note that the use of leg braces does not require close medical supervision. It is easy to treat hallux valgus in this way at home.

Where to buy correctors?

There are a lot of advertisements on the Internet that talk about the positive properties of gel and silicone correctors such as Valgulex, Valgus Pro and Antikostin. In terms of effectiveness, all these means cannot be compared with professional orthopedic corrective and articulated correctors.

Valgulex Valgus Pro Antikostin

You can use them for minor deformities of the feet, but you should not trust reviews that talk about miraculous getting rid of a bump that needs to be operated on for a long time. You should buy high-quality correctors through pharmacies (including trusted online representatives) or orthopedic salons.

And you should always remember that the treatment of hallux valgus is a complex of procedures. Bunion bandages alone are not enough. It is important to follow a proper diet and use anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as attend a massage and do simple exercises as part of gymnastics for bumps on the legs.

An orthopedic corrector bandage is used to straighten the position of the big toes in Hallux Valgus. It is indicated for wearing even in advanced stages of the disease. You can adjust the angle of thumb deflection, starting with a small one and gradually increasing it. This is necessary for quick adaptation of the foot and for your comfort during sleep.

In what cases should this bandage be used?

— Hallux Valgus (valgus curvature of the big toe)
— Arthrosis, arthritis, bursitis, as well as gout of the big toe joint
- Pain in the thumb joint
— Corns and calluses in the area of the thumb bone

The result is improvements in the first month

The pain caused by Hallux Valgus will go away, and the inflammation of the joint will decrease. The load on the big toe joint will be reduced and the gait will become easier, blood circulation in the legs will be normalized, and aching pain at night will no longer bother you.

Mode of application

Wear at night. The angle of deflection of the finger is adjustable, so you need to start with a small angle, gradually bringing the deflection to normal.

Works great in conjunction with a toe brace (use the corrector at night, the brace during the day).

Video about night bandage

Characteristics and equipment

Contents: 1 pair per pack (2 pcs., for left and right foot), instructions for use
Product warranty: 6 months from date of sale
Size: universal

Care

The bandage can be wiped with a damp cloth,
Velcro can be removed and washed.
After washing, you need to dry the items by blotting with a soft cloth.
and dry at room temperature.

Deformation of bones or their growth to unnatural sizes is considered a pathological process. One of them is deformation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. This defect is corrected using a special thumb fixator. The bandage is used not only to correct pathology, but also for preventive purposes. The doctor can help the patient achieve a positive result in the shortest possible time if the bandage for the bunion on the big toe is applied in the initial stage of the disease.

Indications for use

As soon as a person notices a slight deformation of the big toe on his foot, he should immediately consult a doctor. This pathology often occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. It becomes quite noticeable due to the growing, protruding bone of the thumb. There are several reasons for the formation of such a defect, one of which is flat feet. The formation of pathology is associated with uneven distribution of body load on the feet. This is what causes the finger bones to shift to the side.

Symptoms indicating the development of pathology:

Redness of the big toe.
Transverse flatfoot.
Pain in the middle of the foot. They can be felt not only when walking, but also in a calm state.
Frequent formation of calluses.
Obesity. This is an indirect cause of thumb deformation, as this is indicated by numerous reviews of users suffering from this ailment.

The main indication for the use of a finger bandage is hallux valgus. Correction of deformity depends on the complexity, neglect and cause of this phenomenon.

Causes of pathology

The main causes of curvature of the thumb are:

Bad heredity.
Congenital pathology.
Obesity.
Transverse flatfoot.
Improper metabolism.
Past polio.
Cerebral paralysis.
Damage to the feet.
Uncomfortable tight shoes.

Particular attention should be paid to the last point, since shoes that do not match the size of the foot provoke the development of the disease. Tight shoes put pressure on the feet and the joints become inflamed. This is what leads to the formation of deforming arthrosis and the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. Soon the inflammation manifests itself as redness of the skin and swelling.

Only after a thorough examination of the patient, the doctor determines the method of treating the deformity - fix a corrective bandage on the thumb or send the patient to a surgeon. The choice of treatment method depends on the complexity and severity of the disease. At the first stage, health workers use conservative treatment methods that save the patient from surgery.

Orthopedists resort to complex therapy that slows down and sometimes even stops bone growth. Obvious symptoms, along with discomfort when walking, as well as acute pain, indicate the last stage of the disease. In this case, surgery cannot be avoided.

Painless treatment methods

Such methods involve the following procedures:

Night bandage for the big toe and other orthopedic devices.
Physiotherapy.
Shock wave therapy.
Silicone or plastic correctors.
Physiotherapy.
Medications.
Massotherapy.

In the initial stage of the disease, doctors recommend wearing shoes with orthopedic properties, as well as using specially coated patches. You can use a bandage for the big toe. Often, orthopedists prescribe medical methods along with folk remedies. These can be various decoctions, tinctures, salt compresses, baths, ointments, homemade and other traditional medicine drugs.

Positive treatment results can only be achieved using complex therapy. If the cause of the curvature of the big toe is transverse flatfoot, then to correct it you should engage in special physical exercises. Daily physical exercise is necessarily part of complex treatment. Physical exercise can also be done for preventive purposes. For each individual case, the doctor selects certain types of physical exercises. The chances of recovery are quite high.

Despite the effectiveness of such treatment, at an advanced stage of the disease it will be useless. The goal of therapeutic exercises is to stop the progression of the disease and restore mobility of the deformed joint.

Special devices

The purpose of using orthopedic devices is to create a so-called barrier between the fingers. The range of special devices includes:

Plastic or silicone thumb corrector.
Night corrector for big toe. It is intended for night use only. The position of the finger is fixed relative to the foot.
Insoles with orthopedic properties and instep supports. They help distribute the person's weight evenly on the feet. After several weeks, the position of the feet takes on the correct appearance. These products can be used continuously.
Orthopedic screed. The product is an elastic band equipped with a soft insert. It supports the transverse part of the foot in the desired position.
Orthopedic splint. It ensures the correct position of the finger using a tight fixation method. Such a rigid device does not allow changing the position of the finger. You can wear a splint until the bone is completely corrected.
Deformation clamp. It securely holds the finger, preventing it from changing the required position.
Shoes with orthopedic properties, prescribed by a doctor, are recommended for use by children and adults. These shoes have a hard back. It is supported in the desired position by springy instep supports.

Plastic. These bandages are the toughest. They reliably and completely immobilize problem fingers. They have proven themselves to be excellent in treating the initial stage of the disease.
Gel. The devices are of medium rigidity. Designed to hold the thumb in place and prevent skin redness.
Silicone. These are the softest bandages. Used for preventive purposes.

A modern orthopedic bandage for the big toe and other devices can only be used as prescribed by an orthopedist. This is due to the period of wearing them, about which the patient himself knows nothing. Some devices are put on the thumb only before going to bed, while others are worn all the time.

Surgical intervention

In the last stage of thumb deformity, painless treatment methods are useless. In this case, the orthopedist refers the patient to a surgeon. During surgery, the specialist uses the following types of operations:

Minimally invasive surgery. It is aimed at minimizing injury to finger tissue.
Open method of surgical intervention. It is used exclusively for advanced forms of the disease.
Removal of the diseased bone and implantation of an artificial joint.
Laser correction. Surgeons use this method when surgery is required on both legs at once. The procedure involves treating the bone with a laser beam. As a result, the lump becomes smaller and reaches its normal state.
Osteotomy. Fixing the finger with screws.

Foot surgery is not contraindicated for people of all ages. Any type of anesthesia can be used. Surgical intervention is carried out using advanced technologies and modern medical equipment. This ensures safety for the patient and allows the surgeon to work quickly. After surgery, the patient will require rehabilitation. Its duration depends on the general condition of the patient.

A big toe brace can help treat overgrowth on the foot without surgery. There are different models; you need to choose a product depending on your individual indications. A foot bandage will save you from bunion symptoms such as pain, inflammation and calluses. In addition, if you wear it regularly, you can completely cure the disease or slow down its development.

A bandage for fixing the big toe is required to cure a disease such as. These are used not only to escape pain and discomfort. A bandage placed on the big toe is suitable to slow down the growth of the bunion.

When worn regularly, the bandage can change the shape of the foot for the better and correct the position of the joint.

What is a bandage like?

Orthopedic treatment should be selected in accordance with the doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the problem and the patient’s feet. It is necessary to pay attention to what age the patient is and what lifestyle he maintains. For an elderly person who leads a sedentary lifestyle, it is better to constantly use either strong plastic retainers. If the patient goes to work every day or does exercise therapy to overcome his problem, he needs a soft silicone retainer or a daytime abduction bandage.

The choice of orthopedic products is now very large, so choosing is sometimes a difficult task. Among the best manufacturers, according to customer reviews, we can mention: Aetrex, Variteks, Fresco. You need to choose not only among the brand, but also among the types of orthopedic products, depending on the task they face. The market offers a large number of different bandages, which can generally be divided into three types:

Classic corrective;
Specific outlets;
Retainers.

By considering each type, you can understand which type of treatment is suitable for a particular patient.

Classic corrective

This type of bandage is used after surgery to restore normal function of the foot bone. In addition, they are used to slow down or stop the progress of its deformation.

A device of this type consists of several parts:

Large part – fixed on the foot in a position convenient for the patient. Lets air through so that the patient’s skin “breathes”;
A smaller part, made of a similar material, is attached to the very bone of the foot;
A hinge with a cushion made of soft material holds the bandages together. A pillow is required to increase the density of the connection between the bone and the bandage. The hinge gives the patient the necessary freedom of movement.

This corrective bandage has versatility - it can be worn on both the right and left foot. The product is inexpensive, any patient can purchase it and use it at night or during the day. As soon as you suspect that your foot bone is growing, you should immediately use classic corrective bandages. Using them, the patient will be able to prevent further divergence of bones and deformation of joint joints.

Abductor bandage

The big toe is pulled to the side. This helps in the fight against pain and slows down the development of deformity. Slightly different bandage models are used at night and during the day.

Day

This is an elastic band, when putting it on, you need to take into account the following points: first, put your thumb through the loop, then pass it slightly under the foot and secure it in the ankle area. The elastic is strong but not thick, so you can easily wear socks and boots on top of the clip. The product is easy to wash.

Night

The bandage used during sleep is designed more complexly. Because of this, it resembles a classic-type corrective bandage. It differs from it in that instead of a large bandage for the foot, it uses an elastic band. It is attached to a plastic part that looks like a spoon. This spoon goes along the line to the thumb. Such a design loads the thumb, pushing it away from the other fingers. This product prevents pain from interfering with the patient’s sleep.

Due to the specific design, the sleep brace must be purchased separately for each foot. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the size. It costs more than the daily one, but it is strongly recommended to buy it to stop the development of pathology. An attractive idea seems to be to wear only a night bandage so as not to experience discomfort during the daytime. But in this mode it is difficult to cure the deformation; most likely, you will simply slow down its development. After all, all loads on the thumb will occur without the protection of the bandage.

Fasteners

Depending on how far the pathology has gone, a bandage is chosen. Clamps are also made of different materials, which provide different pressure on the bone and thumb:

Plastic. These are the toughest clamps, they do not allow the big toe to move at all, and they move the bone inside the foot. Suitable for treating the most severe stage of the disease. In other cases, their use is not very justified;
Gel. Sufficiently rigid clamps are used to fix the thumb in a physiologically healthy position. At the same time, they do not press too hard; they will not cause the skin to turn red or rub off. In addition, unlike plastic retainers, they can also be worn under;
Silicone. Weak type retainers are suitable as a preventive measure, or if signs of bone disease have just appeared. These models are easy to use - just put it on your thumb and squeeze it tightly.

The clamps are quite simple and therefore cheap. They have one drawback - you cannot adjust the voltage. Therefore, if there is a need to change the pressure, a new bandage will be required.

How a bandage can help

The toe brace has many positive effects:

Relieves pain, including during night rest;
Reduces inflammation and swelling;
Relieves redness;
Prevents shoes from rubbing the skin and creating calluses;
Makes ligaments elastic, improves foot mobility;
Returns normal blood circulation to the big toe;
Reduces pressure on the bones and joints of the thumb.

During the day you should not wear the device for more than ten hours. On average, doctors recommend using orthopedic products for six hours a day. In this case, night clips can be safely worn throughout the entire sleep period.