Dr. David R. Hannaford, DPM
Hannaford Sports Podiatry
750 Las Gallinas Ave # 102
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-499-8000
“I recommend that you try this improved bunion splint.”
Dr. David Hannaford provides treatment to runners beginner to Olympic level. He has been the Sports Podiatrist for most of the charitable fund raising marathon and triathlon programs in the San Francisco area since their beginning. As a Sports Podiatrist specializing in running injuries and practicing for 27 years, combined with having been a runner himself for over 35 years, Dr. Hannaford strongly believes proper running form can prevent foot injuries.
An endorsement by Dr. David R. Hannaford, DPM for the Bunion Aid® Treatment Splint
Prominent Sports Podiatrist, endorses Bunion Aid® splint
I would like to endorse the Bunion Aid Bunion Splint as a significant improvement over other bunion splints I have ever used in the past. The fit, comfort, and active hinge design has improved compliance and opened a new use for bunion splints that has never been available previously.
I am a Podiatrist who specializes in athletic injuries. My patients are usually active, healthy, and motivated. These patients are usually taking action early in the progression of their bunions and may feel low grade problems earlier because of high levels of activity than more sedentary patients. Especially in this type of patient I have had success using active strengthening exercises for the big toe. Pain can be eliminated and a limited amount of straightening of the toe is possible. Exercises cannot eliminate the width of the forefoot or size of the bunion bump, but they can make the foot more functional and often eliminate pain.
Before I found the Bunion Aid Bunion Splint my patients would have to use elastic straps or manually grip the toe during the exercises, then wear a rigid splint when sleeping. I now have my patients wear the splint while active at home in loose shoes or barefoot to maintain the correction process and then perform the strengthening with the device in place when it is convenient. I have found my patients to be more compliant because of the simplicity and much more likely to continue into the future. Improving the big toe position is a very long term project and must be maintained. They also are more comfortable when using it as a night splint.
I also like that the splint is interchangeable left or right and easily adjusted for fit. I also feel that walking around with the splint attached, if done carefully, can do a lot to improve the function of the toe. The splint holds the toe straight so that while walking, the toe is held in its proper range of motion with weight on the foot. This can retrain the muscles of the entire foot and stretch the joint to make it receptive to correction. This needs to be performed gradually by adjusting the splint in steps to avoid irritating the joint.
If you have had poor results with bunion splints as an aid to avoid surgery or have had poor patient compliance in the past, I recommend that you try this improved bunion splint.
