How Bunions Affect Your Gait – And What to Do Next

Having a bunion is a pain in more ways than one. Not only does an uncomfortable bump form on the outer aspect of the big toe, but a bunion also affects various aspects of how you live your life, including how you walk.

At Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, Dr. Marque A. Allen offers a range of treatments for foot issues, including physical therapy and surgery. He evaluates how bunions are affecting your gait to customize a treatment plan for your needs.

Bunions and your gait

Bunions are an issue that slowly worsens without the proper treatment – and they cause more issues than just pain. Bunions are a deformity that affects many aspects of the foot, including gait.

Your gait is how your body moves during walking or running. Having a bunion disturbs your gait in many ways, including:

Increased strain on the lateral metatarsals

The bump on the side of the big toe puts a lot of strain on the lateral metatarsals, which can lead to a bunion on the small toe as well. It also makes walking difficult due to discomfort as the bones shift in the foot.

Reduced ability to push off the affected foot

People with bunions sometimes have reduced dorsiflexion of the foot, leading to a shorter stride and reduced push-off strength, which can alter walking and increase injury risk.

Compensatory strain

Significant bunions cause strain on the supporting muscles in the legs, hips, and lower back. To compensate for altered foot mechanics, you may experience knee issues, hip misalignment, or low back pain.

Increased risk of falls and injury

Bunions that affect your gait increase your risk of falls and other foot or ankle injuries because of poor balance and pain.

Next steps in bunion care

The best way to avoid further bunion complications is to begin treatment as early as possible. The longer a bunion goes without treatment, the more likely it is to worsen your gait.

Initial bunion care typically involves lifestyle changes and conservative measures to address pain and other symptoms. We recommend the following treatments for bunions that cause gait issues:

Wear shoes with a roomy toebox

Shoes with a wider toebox are better for bunions because they decrease pressure on the joint. The more comfortable and roomy the shoes, the better your gait will be.

Orthotics or shoe inserts

If you’re struggling to walk correctly with bunions, custom orthotics or shoe inserts are extremely helpful. These provide cushioning and extra support to help ease discomfort and support the other parts of the foot.

Padding or cushioning

Padding on the bunion itself is extremely helpful in reducing pain and pressure on the joint.

Ice packs for swelling

Ice packs help relieve the discomfort that often accompanies bunions. Use ice several times a day for 20 minutes each to help reduce inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory medications

Anti-inflammatory medications are also helpful to ease bunion discomfort. Take them as needed to help with flare-ups and help you walk correctly.

Is surgery necessary?

Surgery isn’t always necessary for people with bunions – but it can be when conservative measures don’t alleviate symptoms. Dr. Allen recommends surgery if you’re still struggling with pain or walking after trying multiple conservative measures.

Don’t let bunions affect your everyday activities. Call our Alamo Heights or San Antonio offices today, or request a consultation online.