Bunions
Products for pressure relief, alignment support, and everyday comfort.
Explore this categoryPODIATRIST-GUIDED FOOT CARE
Dr. Gaffney's Foot Health Product Picks
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links (details at the bottom of the page).
Please talk with your doctor before starting any self-treatment, including the products, medicines and supplements on this page.
Saving you time and money in your foot health decisions.
Board-certified
Podiatrist
30+ years
Foot health experience
Education first
No online diagnosis
Shop by condition
Start with the condition or concern you are trying to understand.
Ball of foot
Learn about metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain) and when ongoing soreness needs an in-person exam.
Explore this categoryPlantar fasciitis
Explore the over the counter orthotics, night splints and arch strapping that I recommend to patients as well as evidenced-backed treatment protocols.
Explore this categoryDiabetic foot care
Neuropathy treatments, tips, and precautions I use and give my patients as well as quality diabetic socks I found online.
Explore this categoryArthritis and joint health
Effective topicals and supplements that have helped my patients. Discuss with your doctor before using.
Explore this categoryHow I choose these products
Condition-specific guidance
The right product depends on the problem you are trying to address. It is advised to see a podiatrist to get a diagnosis first.
Honest expectations
I explain what a product may help with and what it cannot do.
Education first
Use this resource to ask better questions and make more informed choices.
Know when to escalate
Persistent, severe, or changing symptoms deserve professional evaluation.
Bunion and bunionette products
Watch my bunion video playlist.
Read my guides: Bunion relief without surgery · Types of bunions · Tailor's bunion (bunionette) · 7 bunion-friendly shoe features
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Gel bunion pad with toe spacer
The gel shield disperses pressure away from bunion and cushions while the integrated spacer helps keep the big toe aligned.
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Gel bunion shield pad
A soft shield designed to help cushion a prominent bunion against shoe pressure.
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Bunionette guard
A gel guard that cushions a tailor's bunion on the outside of the foot against shoe pressure.
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Bunion sleeve with gel offloading hole
A sleeve-style option for cushioning and offloading pressure around the bunion area.
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Darco bunion splint
A night splint that holds the big toe in a straighter position while you rest. It will not correct a bunion but may decrease joint discomfort.
Best hammer toe products
Watch my hammer toe video playlist.
Read my guides: Which hammer toe pad is right for you · Choosing a crest pad · Crossover toe
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Suede fabric crest pad
A thinner crest pad that lifts the tip of a flexible hammer toe and can fit in dress shoes.
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Gel crest pad
A gel crest pad with a toe loop lifts and straightens a flexible hammer toes and takes pressure off the tips.
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Adjustable gel crest pad
A gel crest pad with an adjustable strap for a custom fit.
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3-layer foam toe spacers
A soft spacer option for reducing rubbing and improving toe separation.
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Stay-put toe spacer
A secure spacer option for selected flexible toe crowding and rubbing .
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Gel toe cap
A gel cap that cushions the whole toe, helpful for a corn at the tip or a rigid hammer toe.
Ball of foot products
Watch my ball of the foot video playlist.
Read my guides: Metatarsalgia explained · How to use a metatarsal pad · 6 signs of Morton's neuroma · Morton's neuroma
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Metatarsal pads (adhesive felt)
My favorite pad for offloading the ball of the foot. Trim to fit, and watch my placement video before you apply it.
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Gel metatarsal pad
A reusable gel pad that can cushion the ball of the foot or offload it based on positioning.
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Callus pads
U-shaped felt pads that take pressure off a callus or sore spot under the foot.
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Silicone gel insoles
Full-length cushioned insoles that add padding under the ball of the foot in everyday shoes.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a tight, strained, irritated ligamentous band that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. These are the products I most often suggest. For stretches, strapping and more, watch my plantar fasciitis video playlist.
Read my guides: What is plantar fasciitis · Best over-the-counter orthotics · Are custom orthotics worth it
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Athletic tape
Athletic tape for an arch strapping, called a low dye strapping. Great for plantar fasciitis.
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PowerStep orthotics
A great over-the-counter orthotic used to support the strained plantar fascia. This is a good 2nd option/ alternative to custom orthotics. Enter my code G-140510d9 at checkout on powerstep.com for 10% off and free shipping.
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Spenco full length arch support
A full-length cushioned arch support /over the counter orthotic. I love spenco orthotics because they can be heat molded for a custom fit. See how in the video. .
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Spenco 3/4 length arch support
A three-quarter length arch support / over the counter orthotic that fits into more styles of shoes and better for those who have bunions and hammer toes and need more room in the toe box.
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redi-thotics heat-moldable arch supports
Another good customizable heat-moldable over the counter orthotic for people who want a more individualized OTC support.
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Plantar fasciitis night splint
A nighttime splint to stretch out a tight plantar fascia at night and part of an overall doctor's treatment plan along side stretching and orthotics/ support.
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Mueller ankle wrap
An adjustable wrap that wraps around ankle and arch. This is used as an alternative to orthotics if the plantar fascia is too sore to tolerate rigid support.
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ASO ankle brace
A lace-up ankle support that also gives arch support. I use this at times as an alternative to orthotics for plantar fascia support or of course for it's primary purpose to support after ankle prains and instability situations.
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Voltaren topical gel
A topical anti-inflammatory gel; follow the label directions and precautions, and check with your doctor before using.
Over-the-counter orthotics, insoles and heel cups
Read my guides: Best over-the-counter orthotics · Are custom orthotics worth it
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PowerStep orthotics
Good quality over-the-counter orthotic popular among podiatrists. Enter my code G-140510d9 at checkout on powerstep.com for 10% off and free shipping.
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Dress Redi-Tthotic
A good quality lower-profile dress over the counter orthotic.
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Redi-thotics heat-moldable arch supports
A customizable heat-moldable option for people who want a more individualized OTC support.
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Spenco 3/4 length arch support
A three-quarter length arch support that fits into more styles of shoes.
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Spenco full length arch support
A full-length cushioned arch support insole.
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Tuli's heel cups
Cushioned heel cups that add shock absorption under the heel. Best for atrophied fat pad of the heel, calluses heels or fissures.
Braces, splints and tape
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ASO ankle brace
A lace-up ankle and arch support option for selected sprain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and instability situations.
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Mueller ankle wrap
An adjustable wrap for light ankle support during activity.
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Athletic tape
Athletic tape for foot and ankle taping, used as an arch strapping .
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Plantar fasciitis night splint
A nighttime plantar fascia splint to stretch the tight plantar fascia at night and a great way to eliminate morning heel pain
Arthritis and joint health (talk with your doctor first)
Watch my arthritis video playlist.
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Voltaren topical gel
A topical anti-inflammatory gel that works wonderfully for inflammatory conditions in the foot. Follow the label directions and precautions, and check with your doctor before using .
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Biofreeze topical relief
A cooling topical option for temporary comfort . I use this in patients with neuropathy and arthritic conditions.
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Lidoderm lidocaine patch
A topical numbing option to review with your clinician or pharmacist for appropriate use.
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Arnica cream
A topical arnica cream some people use for bruising and soreness after activity; follow the label directions.
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PanAway essential oil blend
A warming blend for massage after a long day on your feet.
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Cool Azul cream
A cooling cream for tired, sore muscles.
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Deep Relief roll-on
A roll-on blend that is easy to apply to feet and ankles.
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Fish oil (the one I take)
The omega-3 fish oil I take myself. Ask your doctor first if you take blood thinners.
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Turmeric
A turmeric supplement. Ask your doctor first.
Nerve support (talk with your doctor first)
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Acetyl-L-carnitine
A supplement that has been studied for nerve health. Talk with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you take other medicines.
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Alpha lipoic acid
An antioxidant supplement that has been studied in diabetic nerve health. Talk with your doctor before starting it.
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Lidoderm lidocaine patch
A topical numbing option to review with your clinician or pharmacist for appropriate use.
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Biofreeze topical relief
A cooling topical option for temporary comfort during activity or recovery.
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TENS unit
A drug-free electrical nerve stimulation unit. Ask your doctor whether TENS is right for you; it is not for people with a pacemaker.
Skin and callus creams
Watch my callus care video playlist.
Read my guides: At-home callus care · Callus on the big toe · Corns on the toes · Pinky toe corns
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20% urea cream
A moisturizing urea cream for dry, rough skin on the feet.
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25% urea foot cream
A moisturizing option for dry skin.
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40% urea cream
A stronger urea cream to soften thick calluses and corns and very dry, cracked heels; use as directed.
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SkinIntegra skin care
developed for diabetics with dry skin. I have found it to be my favorite option for dry cracked heels.
Athlete's foot creams and sprays
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Lotrimin powder spray
An antifungal powder spray for athlete's foot .
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Lamisil spray
Best option for athlete's foot between toes.
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Lotrimin cream
An antifungal cream for athlete's foot. Better for dry type athlete's foot on the soles
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Terbinafine cream (generic Lamisil)
A lower-cost generic of Lamisil antifungal cream.
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Lotrimin Ultra
A butenafine antifungal cream for athlete's foot.
Fungal toenail remedies
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Dr. Remedy's antifungal nail polish
Recommended as an alternative to regular nail polish to help prevent toenail fungus.
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Nonyx nail gel
Topical anti-fungal used to treat a small area of toenail fungus at the end of the nail or to help prevent recurrence of toenail fungus after oral treatment alongside realistic expectations about how slowly nails grow.
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Kerasal fungal nail renewal
A helpful option to improve the look of thick, discolored nails as they grow out after oral anti-fungal treatment. I have patients use this with tea tree oil after being treated with oral antifungal medicine for fungal toenails.
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Tea tree essential oil
I like to use Young Living tea tree oil as fungal nails grow out after treatment.
Sweaty feet and shoe odor
Watch my sweaty feet and foot odor video playlist.
Read my guide: How to stop sweaty, smelly feet
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Certain Dri antiperspirant
A clinical strength antiperspirant that can be used on sweaty feet.
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Kleinert's Sweat Shield wipes
Clinical strength antiperspirant wipes, easy to use on the feet.
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Drysol
A strong antiperspirant for heavy sweating. Follow the directions closely, as it can irritate the skin.
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ShoeZap UV shoe sanitizer
A UV shoe sanitizer that helps keep shoes fresh between wears and reduce odor causing microbes in the shoes.
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Purification essential oil blend
A Young Living blend some people use to freshen shoes and feet.
Socks and diabetic foot care
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Drymax socks
Moisture-wicking socks that help keep feet dry to reduce friction and blisters.
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Darn Tough Coolmax socks
Durable cushioned socks with Coolmax fibers that wick moisture.
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Drymax diabetic socks
Non-binding, moisture-wicking socks for people who need extra care with fit and pressure.
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Drymax copper socks
Copper-infused, moisture-wicking socks sold directly by Drymax. Cooper reduces odor causing microbes.
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Dr. Scholl's diabetic socks
A non-binding sock option to consider for comfort and reduced pressure points.
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Orthosleeve non-binding diabetic socks
A soft, non-binding sock option for people who need extra attention to fit and pressure.
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Diabetic Sock Club socks
Soft, non-binding socks designed for diabetic feet.
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Viasox socks
Soft, non-binding socks designed for diabetic feet.
Shoes and everyday foot comfort
Read my guides: Spotting quality footwear · 7 bunion-friendly shoe features
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Altra Torin 8
Anatomical toe box allowing room for toe function. This type has a 0 degree heel drop or no heel elevation which will reduce pressure at the forefoot in people with ball of the foot problems.
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Pedors comfort shoes
Extremely stretchy roomy shoe which is my favorite option for patients with severe bunion and hammer toe deformities
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Chacos sandals (women's)
Water-proof sandal with arch support
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Chacos sandals (men's)
Water-proof sandal with arch support
This page provides education and product guidance. It does not diagnose conditions or replace an evaluation by your own healthcare professional.
⚠️ Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This disclosure is required by the FTC. Product suggestions are made on clinical merit, not commission rates. Other links marked "Affiliate link" (including Young Living, PowerStep, SkinIntegra and Pedors) also earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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