Bunion Treatment for Runners | Sydney Bunion Clinic (2024)

Bunion Treatment for Runners | Sydney Bunion Clinic (1)

Running is a great way to stay in shape, and bunions do not need to stop you from running. If you have a bunion and are wondering if you should still run, the answer is yes! In this blog post we will discuss when it’s ok to run with bunions and when it might be better for your bunions not to run or at least mix it up when it comes to staying in shape, as well as what you can do to treat your bunions without impacting your running!

What is the cause of a bunion?

A bunion is a deformity that occurs when the big toe points towards the second toe. This can be caused by several things, including wearing tight shoes, genetic disposition, or arthritis. When you run, you place a lot of stress and strain on your feet, which may aggravate an existing bunion condition.

The primary cause out of all the above conditions is the genetic traits that lead to a bunion. The genetic traits that lead to a bunion is the level of misalignment within your foot and ankle, this in turn affects the way that you walk and run. They also affect how you displace pressure through your big toe and lead to the deviation in a big toe. The reason we know that these traits lead to a bunion rather than it being a direct genetic trait like eye colour or skin tone is that the earliest we see bunion form is at the age of 12 and the incidence increases from there.

A big thing is proper fitting footwear! Make sure to wear shoes with enough room in both width and length for your feet, especially if you have a tendency toward bunions or other foot problems.

What can I do for my bunion and keep running?

The best thing to do and what you can do straight away is to start wearing your shoes with plenty of room in the toe box and don’t be afraid to buy some specialised running shoe for people who have bunions. These type of sports footwear companies like Longevity will oftenworkon these issues when making their respective products ensuring that they are not making the problem worse.

Some other things you can do to help is follow some simple exercises that stretch your feet and ankles in different directions, this will really help reduce stress on the big toe joint which in turn helps with the pain of bunions.

Are running shoes good for bunion? What type of shoe should I wear?

Running shoes are not necessary for people who have bunions, but they can be helpful if you want to avoid aggravating your condition. While there is nofoolproofway of preventing bunion from getting worse while running, some brands like Longevity will often make their products with this in mind, including widening the toe box and making them gentler on the feet. You can also wear regular running shoes if they have enough room for your feet, but make sure you buy new ones once these become too old or start to fall apart at the seams.

As with any foot condition, it’s best not to ignore it and see a professional as soon as possible!

Is it ok to run with bunions?

There are a few things to keep in mind when running if you have a bunion. The main thing is that you want to make sure you’re not putting too much stress on your feet. Try not to run long distances and take breaks often. If the pain gets too bad, stop running and ice your bunions. You might also want to consider wearing supportive shoes or even orthotics to help keep your feet supported.

Can running make bunions worse?

Will running make your bunion worse? This is an important question for anyone who experiences foot pain while running because it could indicate a need for additional treatment or shoe modification to prevent worsening of the condition.

There is no definitive answer to this question, as there is limited research on the subject. However, many experts believe that running can make bunions worse in some cases. This is likely because running places a lot of stress and strain on the feet, which may aggravate an existing bunion condition if you have the underlying causes.

The great news is that you don’t have to give up running just yet! There are easy ways to modify the way you run and treat your bunion that can help reduce any bunion problem without you giving up running. To explain this let’s first look at what causes a bunion

How can I treat my bunion without impacting on my running?

Many people with bunions ask how they can treat their condition without it having an impact on their running. It is possible to get relief from the pain and treatment of your bunion without having to stop running altogether, but there are some things you need to know about conservative treatments for your bunion before you decide which one is right for you.

Options for Bunion Treatment

There are three main options for conservative treatment of bunions, including rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), orthotics or specialised shoes and padding and foot mobilisation and strengthening exercises. Rest is prescribed when the bunion is mild to moderate in severity and the patient has mild swelling around the area. The aim of this treatment option is to reduce the pressure on the bunion, which will reduce pain and stiffness. However, this option does not slow down or stop bone changes at all.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat bunions as they can help reduce both swelling and inflammation around the area of your foot where you have a bunion. Keep in mind that NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, particularly when taken for long periods or at high doses, so they’re not suitable for everyone.

Orthotics are devices designed to control the position and motion of your foot during running; there is evidence to suggest orthoses are effective in relieving pain associated with bunions.

However, you will need to wear them for at least ten hours each day and running is not possible when wearing orthotics. The catch with orthotics is that you have to wear them all the time to be effective and they don’t strengthen or help to improve the alignment of the bunion.

Bunion Treatment without Surgery

At Sydney Bunion Clinic we have over 19 years’ experience in treating bunions without surgery. The treatment consists of diagnosing the underlying cause and then going about improving the function of the foot and ankle. We do this through a hands-on technique that we combine with strengthening exercises that change the way you stand and walk and help improve the factors that lead to a bunion.

The benefits of this treatment

  • Keep running
  • No surgery
  • No orthotics
  • Keep wearing the shoes you love

What do I do next?

I would suggest you make the most of our 65% off Bunion assessment for just $35. In this assessment we will assess the underlying causes of your bunion and work with you to avoid surgery and keep you running. Just give us a call on 02 8966 9300or book your Bunion Assessment online today.

Tags:Bunion Treatment Sydney

Bunion Treatment for Runners | Sydney Bunion Clinic (2)

New Patient Bunion Assessment

Only $35* Usually $100

*Claimable on your private health insurance

BOOK AN ASSESSMENT

Bunion Treatment for Runners | Sydney Bunion Clinic (2024)

FAQs

Do bunion straighteners really work? ›

Research suggests that bunion correctors aren't effective at realigning your big toe or at getting rid of bunions. But they may help provide some temporary pain relief, while you wear them.

Can you really correct a bunion without surgery? ›

In most cases, bunions can be treated nonsurgically. One of the podiatrists from our team can examine your bunion(s) and recommend a conservative treatment which includes one or more of the following: Custom shoe orthotics (inserts) that relieve pressure on the joint and align your weight in a more beneficial way.

Is bunion surgery covered by insurance? ›

Bunion surgery costs depend on the type of surgery you have, where you have the procedure, your health insurance or Medicare coverage, and more. Generally, if your bunion pain is leading to physical limitations, and surgery is deemed medically necessary by your podiatrist, insurance will cover the procedure.

What do athletes do for bunions? ›

Athletes experiencing bunion pain should prioritize rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Moreover, utilizing orthotic devices, such as bunion splints or toe separators, can help realign the toes and relieve pressure on the bunion.

What shrinks bunions? ›

Ways to shrink or prevent bunions from worsening include wearing supportive footwear, taking pain medications or using pain-relieving topical creams, doing bunion stretches and exercises, and using ice packs, warm soaks, and gentle massage.

Do podiatrists recommend bunion correctors? ›

Our podiatrists say that while over-the-counter options can't fully rid bunions, they can alleviate pain and offer temporary relief. Function: There are many options to help manage your bunions, including bunion correctors, toe spacers, gels, padding, and even wide-toe box shoes.

What is the new technology to remove bunions? ›

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone.

How can I straighten my bunions naturally? ›

Our 10 top tips on treating bunions without surgery:
  1. Massage and exercise your feet.
  2. Take a paracetamol.
  3. Soak your feet in a foot bath.
  4. Ice your feet.
  5. Put your feet up!
  6. Try castor oil.
  7. Try bunion pads.
  8. Try bunion splints.
Jul 20, 2022

Is walking barefoot good for bunions? ›

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

Do toe separators work for bunions? ›

Bunion toe spacers cannot cure bunions, but they can help manage pain and prevent further damage to the toe joint.

Can anything reverse a bunion? ›

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.

How much does it cost to get a bunion removed? ›

Bunion correction surgery — also known as bunionectomy — usually costs about $6,000 or more per foot. Factors such as the complexity of the procedure and your insurance status will affect what you pay. If you have health insurance, your plan may cover some or all of the costs of the surgery.

What does a severe bunion look like? ›

The signs and symptoms of a bunion include: A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe. Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint. Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other.

Why avoid bunion surgery? ›

While this procedure is often used to reduce pain and improve the appearance of the foot, it can also lead to permanent changes in the natural shape and alignment of the bones in your foot/feet, which will affect the biomechanics of your feet and how they absorb pressures when you walk, stand, climb, run, etc.

What causes bunions in runners? ›

Over pronation describes the excessive inward-rolling of the feet during weight bearing positions. As this happens, excessive forces are transmitted through the structures on the inner-side of the foot, forcing the big toe towards the other toes. Over time this results in pain and development of bunions in runners.

Can bunions be reversed with exercise? ›

Exercise may be an effective way to treat bunions, prevent future bunions and increase your foot mobility. But it's also important to know that rest is just as important as activity for managing your bunion pain.

Should I stop running if I have bunions? ›

Can I run with a bunion? It is possible to run with a bunion but the pressure of motion may make the pain worse. Bunion pads, taping and epitact buinion correctors can all help alleviate pressure, and pain, but will not prevent a bunion from forming or growing.

Does running barefoot help bunions? ›

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 5691

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.