bunion foot pain....help!!!

I can totally relate to your pain. I had a nasty bunion on my left foot for longer than I can remember. It started way before I was 16. People were always shocked to see how bad it was and how young I was.

It never really bothered me and then all of a sudden one day it did. It bothered me a ton when I was running. I was miserable because it would hurt the whole rest of the day after a run.

I couldn't take it anymore. Not to mention my wedding was coming up and my bunion always prevented me from wearing the shoes I wanted but I wasn't about to let that happen on my wedding day! I elected to have surgery. It was very involved because it was so bad plus I had a bunion on my little toe joint which was hurting me even worse. On top of that, my bunion was so bad because I'd had it so long that when the doctor fixed it my second toe would have been way longer than my big toe which can cause problems. So I elected to have that shortened at the same time. It was hell. But I'm very happy now! It only aches randomly and I can wear whatever shoes I want! Now I'm starting to get a bunion on my right foot. Yay for poor genetics!

If you don't want to go that drastic with surgery you could try bunion pads. They sell them in drug stores. They provide a cushion between your bunion and shoe. I never tried them. I've also heard you can literally cut your sneaker along your bunion to provide extra room for it and therefore less pain. Never tried that either because I didn't want to look silly.

If you don't like those options and I can't blame you for the shoe one, I would suggest going to a podiatrist to see if there's anything they can do to help.


I probably wasn't much help but know that you aren't alone! Best of luck to you!!

I am nervous to get the surgery. I keep putting it off.

My problem with pain seemes to be either blisters or shoes that are too tight.

I look for sneakers with a wider toe box, or wide width if I can find them. I also have noticed that some shoes, like Saucony, have a mesh spot where mine is so its a bit more stretchier. Asics seem to have a piece of the leather/plastic part that goes over mine so it is uncomfortable. And I make sure that it is loosely tied in the front.

(this is in reference to my experience with running/running shoes and pain. Not sure if it will factor into what you are doing but thought I'd add it in case it may help :flowerforyou: )

So you are able to run with the bunion?? How do you manage the flair ups? My husband thinks I should rest it and it will heal on its own but I'm not so sure. It just started hurting this week. I started wearing a splint I bought at Walmart at night that is supposed to help realign the toe back to its original position

I've run half marathons. Most of the time it doesn't bother me. I haven't really managed it, my pain usually only lasts a day or two so I'm not sure.

I've had severe bunions on both feet for as long as I can remember. I had surgery on both feet when I was in 4th grade but it didn't help (recently a podiatrist said he didn't understand what that doctor was trying to do). Anyway, I have had severe pain in both feet off and on but still continue with my exercises. I have found that the right shoe is key. The best I've found recently are the Asics Gel Nimbus. Also, a good arch support helps me. I would suggest going to a running shoe store that allows you to "try out" the shoes on a treadmill or around the store. The pain can get unbearable sometimes but keep searching for the right shoe and you'll be able to do the exercises you like with little to no pain.

I've seen too many bunion removal surgeries that have gone wrong so I refuse to have my removed.


BTW... I'm so glad to see this post because I used to feel like I was the only person with bunions that wasn't a senior citizen.

I also tried buying men's running shoes. I also tried taking an old pair of running shoes & cutting a hole on the side where my bunions are. The best solution I found was buying Women's Saucony shoes double E width ( EE ). I ordered them online at Shoebuy and they have changed my life. I can now walk and run with no pain because my bunions don't rub against the side of the shoe . Bunion surgery is a last resort...and they can grow back my podiatrist said.

I'm going to have to try those Saucony shoes too. I get tired of the same style and limited colors. Also, I didn't think about arthritis in those joints.

I have tailor's bunions, so just on the little toe side, but I completely agree that shoes are key here. Not just your exercise shoes, but every single pair of shoes you own should be roomy in the toe box. This means I can never ever wear pointy-toed shoes or boots. I also need good arch support. Mine aren't bad enough for surgery yet, but I definitely get pain from wearing the wrong shoes.

For running shoes, I like Saucony and Brooks. For your Zumba classes, have you tried Ryka? You might also try some wider widths to accommodate your bunions. Good luck!

I don't have bunions, but I do have physical issues that discourage me from aerobic exercise. And yes, it is discouraging! For me, it is hard enough to get myself to the gym, or even out of the house these days, for walking (I also deal with severe depression and anxiety, which make motivation a huge challenge.) I am trying to vary my workout (aerobics and light lifting at the gym) one element at a time, to see what is causing huge flare-ups of pain. For you, it seems that is pretty clear exactly what is causing the pain! I am trying the treadmill (walking at incline), vs. elliptical, vs. hill-walking (I am surrounded by roads on small hills). I am wondering if you might try a recumbent exercise bike? It's not weight-bearing, which has some cons (bone strength), but a major pro of taking weight off your feet. I don't know enough about spinning to recommend it, b/c I think instructors do have people stand on the pedals, etc. Perhaps you could find an instructor supportive of your modifying the class (i.e., no standing.) Just some thoughts. Maybe you've had them all already.

I don't know if your insurance would cover it, but I just got a script to start PT. I am going to take notes, ask questions, and really pick their brains, so I can try to learn how I can get more fit without so much pain.

One reason I responded is b/c even though I don't have bunions, my husband does, and I see how much pain he goes through. Also, a friend has had bunion surgeries. So, I sympathize, as well as just dealing with obstacles to our goals. I'll send a friend request. Friend me if you like!

I have a tailor's bunion and was having constant pain while walking or working out. Like others have said, the correct shoes help a lot. One with a wide toe box or extra wide. I love my Asics Gel Nimbus. I also just bought an All- Gel bunion guard. It slips over your little toe, made of all clear gel and works great. No pressure on my bunion anymore and cheaper than buying bunion pads all the time. (under $9 including shipping on Amazon). After a few minutes, you don't even realize/feel you are wearing it. It's very soft gel and washable. I too do not want to have surgery and the gel guard seems to be working.

Bunions...oh yes. I've run nearly 10 half marathons and a couple full marathons but I do battle bunions. I've noticed if I eat healthy and keep inflammation down, it actually helps. I also lace my shoes different - I avoid the hole by the bunion all together. I know this sounds strange but I keeps the shoe a little looser near the bunion. I also never run without my Bunion Bootie. Look them up, they are super thin and very comfortable. It prevents rubbing and there's something about finding comfort in having my big toe kept away from the other toes. I know you can't cure a bunion but I at least feel like it's not getting worse. I never want to have surgery. Best of luck

I'm not a doctor and don't really know the specifics of your condition, so please take what I am about to say with a grain (or two) or salt. It's just my personal experience.

I had severe bunions on both feet until I elected to have the surgery about 16 years ago at age 32. Let me tell you, it wasn't a cake walk by any means. But, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. What to expect? Long recovery time. One of my bunions was so severe, I had a half cast on my leg for several weeks. After the initial recovery, I had to watch the type of shoes I was wearing for about a year. Yeah, the ugly, man-like shoes. Not sexy at all. And, lastly, probably the thing that made the difference for me was I was fitted with orthotics for both feet, which I wear everyday to this day. The only problem with them is you won't be able to wear then with some shoes. But, really, this is a very small tradeoff for the extreme pain I was in most nights.

To me, surgery was a much better choice because the "bunion lifestyle" of dealing with pain, finding shoes that fit "right" and all of the home remedies was just becoming a major hassle. No more of that!