Bunion reliever and method of treatment

A bunion reliever apparatus comprising:

• a non-flexible, tapered, linear member with a wide distal end, a narrow proximate end, a convex outer face with a convexity that is lesser at the wide distal end then at the narrow proximate end, and a concave inner face with a concavity that is lesser at the wide distal end then at the narrow proximate end;
• a stabilizing strap affixed at said wide distal end;
• a correction strap affixed at said narrow end;
• and
• a non-slip comfort padding affixed to said concave face;
• wherein said linear member tapers along a longitudinal axis to accommodate the natural taper of the foot and has an increasing concavity of the inner face to accommodate the configuration of the foot, and said stabilizing strap is adapted for encircling engagement of the foot in an orientation approximately perpendicular to said linear member, and said correction strap is adapted for encircling engagement of a big toe in an orientation approximately perpendicular to said linear member, such that when said stabilizing strap and said correction strap are engaged said linear member applies a linear counter-force directly on the bunion urging said big toe into its natural position.

A method for pain relief and realigning of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of a bunion inflicted foot comprising the following steps:

• 1). Massage the leg from the calf muscle to the foot, squeezing the Achilles tendon. Massage the foot and each toe by stroking along each metatarsal to each toe tip in a linear fashion away from the body;
• 2). Contract and relax the calf muscle (3 times), contract and relax the ankle flexors and extensors (3 times), and pull the toes towards the nose then grippingly curl the toes, (3 times);
• 3). Squeeze then twist the calf muscle in thirds along its length;
• 4). Squeeze and circle massage the tissue on the shin bone in thirds along its length;
• 5). Rotate the ankle three times outwardly and three times inwardly with the ankle in the jutted out position. Point the toes and circle with the foot and ankle clockwise and counter-clockwise three times each;
• 6). Pull the big toe straight, and directly forward in alignment with the axis of the foot, and hold this traction-position for three seconds. Repeat this traction pull on the rest of the toes Repeat three times;
• 7). Squeeze heel with (and in) the palm of the hand, firmly, for 3 seconds. Repeat three times;
• 8). Bend knee such that the foot bottom is now face up and the body of the foot is cradled in two hands. Massage the arch of the foot with both thumbs in linear strokes along the linear axis of the foot for approximately 30 seconds;
• 9). Press foot tissue firmly at the base of small toes and hold three seconds alternating with toe traction. (This may be optionally done with the four toes simultaneously, treating these toes as a group.);
• 10). Press the foot tissue firmly at base of the big toe, hold three seconds, pull the big toe into traction, hold, and then rotate in three circles while in traction. Repeat three times;
• 11). Placing a rigid, tapered, linear member with a concave inner face along the bunion side of the bunion inflicted foot;
• 12.) Securing said rigid member to said side of foot via a stabilizing strap via encircling engagement of the foot in an orientation approximately perpendicular to said linear member;
• 13.) Further securing said rigid member to said side of foot via a correction strap via encircling engagement of the big toe in an orientation approximately perpendicular to said linear member;
• 14.) Tightening said stabilizing strap as to firmly secure said linear member to said side of foot;
• 15.) Tightening said correction strap about said big toe as to generate a linear counter-force directly on the bunion urging said big toe into its natural position.
• 16.) Remove said rigid member after approximately 15 minutes.