| A bunion is a large, painful bump on the side of your | | | | 3. It is important that you off-load the bunion as |
| big toe joint. You also may find the end of your big | | | | much as possible to prevent its progression. A |
| toe pointing at your second toe. The bump that is | | | | custom orthotic device can reposition the forces that |
| created often becomes red and irritated from rubbing | | | | cause the bunion to form and slow or stop it from |
| against shoes that aren't wide enough to | | | | progressing. Many runners with bunions prefer this |
| accommodate for the width of your foot. | | | | method, since it also makes their running gait more |
| If you are a runner, then your bunions have even | | | | efficient, leading to a more optimized stride and |
| more pressure and rubbing on them then a normal | | | | better performance. |
| individual does. It can be very frustrating and painful | | | | 4. Surgery may be your best option! If your bunion |
| to be an athlete with bunions, since the only | | | | has progressed to a level that is so painful that it is |
| permanent way to fix a one is with surgery, which | | | | interfering with your quality of life then bunion |
| may not fit into someone's schedule, budget, or | | | | surgery to straighten your toes may be your best |
| beliefs. Here are a couple of things that any runner | | | | option. Bunion surgery is a common podiatric |
| who has bunions needs to know in order to reduce | | | | procedure and has had a high level of success for |
| the discomfort of running with bunions. | | | | many patients. Take a look at Paula Radcliffe...she's |
| 1. Wearing wide shoes can help to alleviate pain and | | | | placing in the top of marathons even after her recent |
| stop the progression of a bunion. If you are unsure | | | | bunion surgery! |
| what shoes to buy contact a podiatrist for a list of | | | | Bunions are very common disorders that can be |
| shoes that would be appropriate to accommodate | | | | painful and burdensome, especially to a runner. The |
| your | | | | most important thing to do in order to treat your |
| 2. To help reduce the rubbing of your first and | | | | bunion pain is to talk with a podiatrist about |
| second toes together, or from your bunion hitting | | | | non-surgical and surgical ways to help correct |
| the side of your shoes, consult with a podiatrist | | | | symptoms of bunions. As with most issues, the |
| about padding and spacers that are available for | | | | longer you wait the more complex the treatment is |
| many bunion patients. | | | | likely to be. |