--he can't wear those things on his feet as much as he wants, as long as they don't otherwise disturb his gait or shift his weight in such a way that it might impact his bunions or ulcer.

It is very likely that the positions they put his toes in take some of the compressive forces off nerves in his feet/toes. With the theory of "double crush phenomenon", you might be removing one factor contributing to his neuropathic symptoms, enough to really reduce them.

I also think that is part of what Dr. T's treatments were doing.