Bachelor thesis proves that Foot Alignment Socks are an effective supplement to bunion treatment

The bachelor thesis by CTU student Bc. Klára Přikrylová under the supervision of Mgr. Kateřina Pleschingerová (FyzioKaca) has yielded some excellent results. Research has proven that the combination of physiotherapy and Foot Alignment Socks leads to the most optimal changes in hallux valgus deformity - not only in terms of the position of the big toe, but also from the perspective of the perceived pain and overall comfort of patients.

Foot Alignment Socks help

Bunions, or hallux valgus, are one of the most common forefoot deformities in adults. This is a painful and often progressive foot defect that can have an adverse impact on one’s quality of life. Several methods of conservative treatment currently exist, yet the effect of each has not yet been adequately proven.

Student Bc. Klára Přikrylová, in collaboration with her supervisor, Mgr. Kateřina Pleschingerová (Jinochová), who we spoke to before in an interview on our blog, decided to put this to rights and in her bachelor thesis at the Czech Technical University she analysed the effect that Foot Alignment Socks have on physiotherapy in the treatment of bunions. 

How the research was conducted

The study involved 26 probands diagnosed with a bunion deformity, divided into two groups:

• Group A underwent a ten-week physiotherapy plan with regular exercise and professional consultation.
• Group B followed an identical physiotherapy plan, while also wearing Foot Alignment Socks on a regular basis.

Improvement was measured using the Manchester scale and the VAS scale, evaluating the patients' degree of toe correction and subjective pain perception.

Up to 64% improvement with Foot Alignment Socks

The most striking finding was that combining physiotherapy with Foot Alignment Socks led to an improvement in 64 % of respondents. This means that almost two-thirds of the participants who used Foot Alignment Socks as well as doing exercises saw a visible change in the degree of toe deformity as assessed by this visual Manchester scale.

In contrast, the group that only did the exercises showed zero improvement in the position of the big toe. This could have been down to a course of physiotherapy over a short period of time that was not intense enough to change in the toe position.

Before – During – After the application of Foot Alignment Socks

According to the author of the paper: "The Foot Alignment Socks lived up to my expectations and I’d recommend them to anyone who feels pain in their toe, has the sensation of 'tired feet', suffers from swollen feet or is simply unhappy with the appearance of a bunion diagnosed by a specialist as hallux valgus."

This result confirms that Foot Alignment Socks are a suitable complement to conservative bunion treatment. They help relieve pain, reduce swelling and correct the toe. The benefit of wearing them has therefore been professionally proven.

An active approach on the part of the patient is crucial

Despite the positive results, the study stresses that wearing Foot Alignment Socks alone is not enough to permanently correct the deformity. If the patient does not continue with active therapy after ceasing to use the adjunct treatment, bunion symptoms can quickly return.

The author also states: "The passive adjunct cannot treat the deformity itself and symptoms return immediately after it stops being used. Not even the best passive adjunct can cure hallux valgus, and it must form a part of active physiotherapy."

Regular exercise and involvement in the rehabilitation process are crucial. Foot Alignment Socks are therefore an effective means of support, but not a stand-alone course of treatment.

Conclusion: Not a miracle, but a smart combination

Klára Přikrylová's bachelor thesis has provided valuable evidence of how Foot Alignment Socks can benefit those with bunions. Foot Alignment Socks can be an important part of conservative treatment when combined with active exercise and long-term therapy.

In Klara Přikrylová’s words: "Physiotherapy using Foot Alignment Socks is a good combination in the treatment of hallux valgus and one may assume that the beneficial effects are long-lasting when these socks are made part of the daily routine."

Research therefore confirms that Foot Alignment Socks can help not only to ease pain and swelling, but over the long term also to gradually correct the deformity. They are not enough on their own, but when combined with regular exercise and patient awareness, they have a significant effect. Not to mention that they’re comfortable, pleasant and easy to include in one’s normal daily routine. They give the foot room to "breathe" and are an ideal complement to active therapy.

Source: Přikrylová, K. (2024). Impact of Foot Alignment Socks and Physiotherapy on Hallux Valgus. CTU.
Photographs: courtesy of Klára Přikrylová and Kateřina Pleschingerová, IG: FyzioKaca