The Impact of Bunions on Athletes: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Bunions are a common foot problem for athletes. They are an enlargement of the bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, our leading podiatrists use some of the latest diagnostics and treatment techniques to achieve optimal outcomes for each patient. To learn more, book your appointment today.
The Factors Behind Bunions in Athletes
Bunions in athletes can be caused by a number of factors, including wearing ill-fitting or narrow shoes, repetitive pressure or trauma to the feet, or structural foot abnormalities. Certain activities, such as running and ball sports, may also increase the risk of developing bunions due to the high-impact nature of the sport.
Bunions are common in athletes because of the repetitive motion of the feet and the pressure often placed on the front of the feet. This can cause the tendons and ligaments to become tight, which can push the big toe joint out of alignment and create the bunion. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that are too tight can also contribute to the development of bunions.
Our expert team at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney offer advanced diagnostics and the latest treatment techniques for a wide range of diagnoses.
Understanding Bunion Symptoms in Athletes
Some symptoms of Bunions in athletes include:
- Pain, swelling, and/or redness around the big toe joint
- Abnormal angling of the big toe joint, so the big toe points toward the other toes
- Thickening of the skin around the big toe joint
- Difficulty walking or running due to pain
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly due to the size and shape of the bunion
- Loss of range of motion in the big toe joint
- Calluses or corns on the side of the big toe joint caused by rubbing against shoes
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important you seek medical attention. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our team offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle problems.
Treating Athletic Bunions to Enhance Performance
Treatment depends on the severity of your Bunions. Some treatment includes:
- Changing shoes to those with a wide-toe box and low heels
- Using pads, cushions, or toe spacers to relieve pressure
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
- Applying ice packs to the bunion for 20 minutes at a time several times a day
- Wearing splints or orthotics to realign the big toe
- Participating in physical therapy
- Using custom shoe inserts
- Surgery to remove the bunion or realign the bone
Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney is a highly specialized practice with a team of experienced foot and ankle specialists. With our extensive experience, we can provide the most comprehensive and individualized care for your bunion treatment plan. We use the latest technology and surgical techniques to optimize your recovery and restore your foot and ankle health.