
Can I Still Exercise With Bunions?

About 33% of Americans have bunions today, and they're particularly common among athletes and active people.
One of the most common questions from patients with bunions at Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute is "Can I still exercise?" Our dedicated team in Clinton Township, Michigan, offers both the knowledge and the guidance on how to make exercise safe with bunions.
If bunions are slowing you down, it’s time to learn how to stay on your feet without making things worse.
Is exercise safe with bunions?
The answer is "yes," but there are some caveats. The reason that bunions happen often involves the way you use your feet. For example, they're more common in athletes who frequently place repetitive stress on their foot joints.
That means exercise is safe, but you need to avoid the movements that can worsen bunion pain.
Bunion-safe exercises
Some of the bunion-safe exercises our team may recommend are:
- Swimming: No pressure on your feet, just full-body movement
- Cycling: A great cardio option with minimal foot impact
- Rowing: Engages your upper body and core without foot stress
- Yoga: Low-impact exercise (skip poses that pressure your toes)
Don't see your favorite activity here? Not to worry: This is just a short list of bunion-friendly sports. You can play nearly any sport with bunions, but you must protect your feet, particularly with high-impact sports.
Exercise recommendations for people with bunions
Exercising with bunions doesn’t mean pushing through pain. Our skilled podiatrists don't just treat bunions, we also provide lifestyle tips that can help you exercise comfortably and safely.
Consider the following options to keep up your active lifestyle.
- Supportive shoes with wide-toe boxes
- Custom orthotics to alleviate pressure and improve alignment
- Take breaks when your bunion aches or hurts
We offer comprehensive bunion care in our Clinton Township office. There are two main treatment paths for bunions: management (such as orthotics and symptom treatment) and correction (bunion surgery.)
Surgery is the only way to solve the underlying problem of joint misalignment in the base of your big toe.
We understand how frustrating bunions can be, especially when they derail your favorite activities. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, our experienced podiatrists are ready to customize a treatment approach that allows you to enjoy sports safely.
We offer extended office hours and welcome both insured and self-pay patients, so don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling with a bunion. Call the Garfield Road office at 586-999-9953 or our 15 Mile Road office at 586-460-2138 to book your bunion assessment today.
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