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Running With Bunions

By Dr Andrew Schneider

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Published: 07Nov2009
Word count: 413
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A bunion is a large, painful bump on the side of your big toe joint. You also may find the end of your big toe pointing at your second toe. The bump that is created often becomes red and irritated from rubbing against shoes that aren't wide enough to accommodate for the width of your foot.

If you are a runner, then your bunions have even more pressure and rubbing on them then a normal individual does. It can be very frustrating and painful to be an athlete with bunions, since the only permanent way to fix a one is with surgery, which may not fit into someone's schedule, budget, or beliefs. Here are a couple of things that any runner who has bunions needs to know in order to reduce the discomfort of running with bunions.

1. Wearing wide shoes can help to alleviate pain and stop the progression of a bunion. If you are unsure what shoes to buy contact a podiatrist for a list of shoes that would be appropriate to accommodate your

2. To help reduce the rubbing of your first and second toes together, or from your bunion hitting the side of your shoes, consult with a podiatrist about padding and spacers that are available for many bunion patients.

3. It is important that you off-load the bunion as much as possible to prevent its progression. A custom orthotic device can reposition the forces that cause the bunion to form and slow or stop it from progressing. Many runners with bunions prefer this method, since it also makes their running gait more efficient, leading to a more optimized stride and better performance.

4. Surgery may be your best option! If your bunion has progressed to a level that is so painful that it is interfering with your quality of life then bunion surgery to straighten your toes may be your best option. Bunion surgery is a common podiatric procedure and has had a high level of success for many patients. Take a look at Paula Radcliffe...she's placing in the top of marathons even after her recent bunion surgery!

Bunions are very common disorders that can be painful and burdensome, especially to a runner. The most important thing to do in order to treat your bunion pain is to talk with a podiatrist about non-surgical and surgical ways to help correct symptoms of bunions. As with most issues, the longer you wait the more complex the treatment is likely to be.

Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of athletes and return them to their sport as soon as possible after injury. For more information about foot health in sports, informative videos, and to order Dr. Schneider's FREE book, visit his website and his blog "The Houston Running Chronicles"

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