You have paid your registration fee and are training for the Lancaster Runs 5K Race for Charity on Saturday, May 16, and now you are noticing bunion pain while running. What should you do? Grit your teeth and keep running? Quit training and hope it goes away before the next race? Even if you can’t go all out for your best time, you might at least be able to participate by following these tips:

• Start with the shoes. When is the last time you checked that they weren’t too worn, still fit well, and supported your feet properly? Maybe you need a wider style toe, more cushioning in the insole, or firmer arch support for your tendency to overpronate. Go to a professional running shoe store and get the right fit for your bunions.
• Next, check your socks. You want them to keep your feet dry as well as prevent blisters from sliding around too much in your shoes. Sometimes thinner is better, and some fabrics are better than others, too.
• Padding and taping. We can show you the right types of cushioning pads to protect the bunion area and also separate your toes to head off corns and blisters. Sometimes taping your foot a certain way to hold the toe straighter during your run can eliminate much of the pain. Let us help your feet be as comfortable as possible during your runs.
• Masking pain with medication. Although they do nothing to address the root cause, we can recommend the correct over-the-counter medication or use steroid injections to help with pain and inflammation.
• Custom orthotics to the rescue. These devices may help address the underlying biomechanical or foot structure issues that are causing your bunion in the first place. We design them exclusively for your feet, so you get the best foundation possible for all your activity.
• Surgery, the final option. When all else fails or the pain gets too bad, there are procedures to straighten out the toe joint and align the bones. It will mean not running—or even walking—during recovery, but may bring long-lasting relief. We’ll help you decide if this is best for you.

Tired of bunion pain while running? Call Carolina Podiatry Group at (803) 285-1411 in Rock Hill, (803) 548-FEET (3338) in Indian Land, or (803) 285-1411 in Lancaster, SC for help, or schedule an appointment online. We’re here for you!