Are Bunions the End of Running for Me?

Runners put their feet through their paces, using joints, muscles, and ligaments in their toes, feet, and ankles at peak intensity. Pushing your feet for high performance sometimes leads to podiatry issues. For runners, this may include the front foot deformation known as a bunion, medically called a hallux valgus.

If you notice the bony bulge of a bunion developing at the base of one of your big toes, are your running days behind you? Bunions worsen without treatment, so you can’t simply ignore this problem. You need the support of a podiatry expert who understands how to use sports medicine expertise for your benefit.

Experienced podiatrist Dr. Leonard Greenwald sees new and existing patients at his practice in San Jose, California. Here’s what Dr. Greenwald wants his patients to know about the connection between running and bunions and what bunions mean for your ability to keep running into the future.

Why runners develop bunions

Bunions occur due to pressure on the front part of your foot. Over time, a bony protrusion forms at the base of the main joint of your big toe. This is medically called the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

As you continue to put pressure and exert force on this part of your foot each time you hit the pavement, the bones of the MTP joint push further and further outward, making the bulge of the bunion bigger.

Sooner or later, a bunion becomes a problem you can’t avoid addressing. But it doesn't have to be the end of running for you. Let's take a closer look at how to deal with a runners' bunion.

Running with a bunion

If you’re developing a bunion and want to continue running, you have two issues to consider. The first is how to manage pain or discomfort caused by the bunion when you’re active. The second issue is how to slow the progression of the bunion.

At a certain point in your bunion development, you may need to figure out a strategy for removal in order to continue as a runner.

Managing bunion discomfort and slowing progression

How does a bunion create discomfort for a runner? Your toenails or the edges of your toes may rub abrasively against the inner surfaces of your shoes, potentially leading to corns, calluses, or blisters. And, as you shift your gait to avoid this type of discomfort, you can create biomechanical problems as well.

Strategies like padding, taping, and custom orthotic inserts can help you avoid friction due to a bunion when you’re on the move. Dr. Greenwald also takes a closer look at your athletic footwear, ensuring your shoes are comfortable, supportive, and won’t make your foot problems worse. Choose shoes with a low or zero drop to take pressure off your joints and tendons.

Treating runners’ bunions

Bunions in the early stages of development often respond positively to conservative strategies like physical therapy or custom orthotics. As your bunion becomes more severe, the likelihood you’ll require surgery for removal goes up. 

After surgery, you can likely return to running, but you’ll need some downtime to recover from your procedure.

To learn more about bunion treatment options, contact Dr. Greenwald today. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone.