If you’re an athlete, your feet serve a vital purpose. But if you have bunions — those painful and bony bumps that develop on the joint at the base of your big toe — they can begin to interfere with your training and performance. That’s when it’s time to take action.
At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, our team of podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeons understand just how troublesome bunions can be for athletes who rely on their feet for running, jumping, and pivoting.
If you’ve found yourself dealing with bunion pain that’s slowing you down, here’s what you need to know and do.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of your big toe and are caused by the misalignment of your toe joint. Consider the following:
Common symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving your big toe.
Factors like genetics, improper footwear, and repetitive stress on your feet (common in athletes) can contribute to bunion development.
Managing pain is the first step in dealing with bunions. Here are some immediate action steps you can take:
Apply ice packs to the affected area and elevate your foot to reduce swelling and pain.
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
When in doubt, we recommend switching to athletic shoes with a wide-toe box to reduce pressure on your bunion. Avoid shoes with narrow, pointed toes.
When it comes to long-term relief and preventing further issues, certain strategies can make healing easier. Here’s what we recommend:
Custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and redistribute pressure away from your bunion.
Engage in exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles around your big toe and foot. This can help improve alignment and reduce pain.
Taping your foot can help maintain proper alignment and rescue stress on your bunion during activity.
Specific exercises and treatment plans can help manage your bunion pain and improve foot function.
If you’ve tried an array of treatments and you’re still struggling, it might be time to consider surgery. Signs to pay attention to include:
Experiencing constant pain that interferes with daily activities and sports despite other treatments might indicate that you need surgery.
Surgery can correct severe bunion deformities that cause significant discomfort and movement restriction.
Procedures vary from removing the bony bump to realigning the bones and soft tissue. Dr. Masood will recommend the best option based on your specific condition.
In the end, although bunions can be a significant setback for athletes, the right approach can help you manage your pain and continue performing at your best.
If you’re ready to take proactive steps to prevent further complications and keep you in the game, contact us at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle to book your appointment with our team today.
