How long for toe spacers to work?
Introduction
If you have bunions, your toes can be uncomfortable and painful. The good news is that there are many ways to treat this condition, including wearing toe spacers. But how long does it take for them to work? If you're wondering about the effectiveness of these devices and how long you need to wear them before seeing results, read on!
What are toe spacers?
Toe spacers are small plastic devices that fit between your toes. They’re used to stretch the toes (and feet) in order to correct bunions and other ailments, as well as to help with hammertoes.
Toe spacers can be purchased at most pharmacies or medical supply stores. You can also find them online on sites like Amazon and eBay for about $10 US for a pack of four spacers.
How do they work?
Toe spacers work by separating the toes, which helps to reduce pain. They are also designed to help to relieve pressure on the metatarsal heads and increase circulation. This helps to reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as increasing mobility in the foot.
Do toe spacers work for bunions?
It is possible that toe spacers can help with bunions. However, they are not a cure for bunions and may only be effective when used in combination with other treatments.
In order to properly treat your bunion symptoms, you should visit your doctor or podiatrist to determine what the best course of action will be.
When will I see results?
You might notice a change in your bunions after just a few weeks.
But if you have severe bunions, it could take up to 6 months for the spacers to work.
Should I wear them to bed?
While toe spacers are meant to be worn during the day, you should take care not to wear them at night. The main reason for this is because most individuals find it difficult to sleep with these devices in their shoes. When you're asleep, your body relaxes and can even go into a deeper state of relaxation than usual. You might find yourself rolling over onto your feet or kicking out with them in an effort to move around comfortably while sleeping, which can cause some very painful moments as you wake up not knowing what happened!
Wearing your spacers when showering or swimming has also been known to cause problems with certain types of toe spacers. While most materials should be able to withstand some water exposure, there are some materials that simply aren't designed for prolonged contact with water--and others that may become damaged by prolonged exposure (such as silicone).
Are there any side effects with using toe spacers?
You may experience some discomfort or bruising, but the spacers are generally safe to use. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, including:
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Heel lifts
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Orthotics (shoe inserts)
You should try wearing toe spacers at night and see if your toes begin to feel better.
You should try wearing toe spacers at night and see if your toes begin to feel better. Toe spacers are made of soft plastic or rubber that can be worn over the end of a toe, pressing it away from the other toes. They may help if you have bunions or hammertoes, conditions that cause your toes to squeeze together and push up against each other.
Toe spacers should be worn overnight for at least four weeks, but not longer than 12 weeks. You can also wear them during the day for short periods of time (less than one hour). If you have diabetes or any circulation problems in your feet, check with your doctor before using a toe spacer.
Conclusion
By using toe spacers, you can make sure that your toes are properly aligned and that they’re not pinching together when you walk. You should wear these spacers at night to give your feet a chance to rest and adjust throughout the day. If you find that this treatment works well for you then try wearing them during the day as well!