Bunion deformities, bony protrusions on the bases of big toes, can cause a plethora of problems in everyday life. Running is no exception to this rule – bruised bunion from running is quite a common occurrence. What can you do about this unpleasant condition? We’ve explained the causes, symptoms, and ways to treat this problem in our text, including bunion surgery, so be sure to keep reading.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bruised Bunion From Running?
Even though running may not be a direct cause of your bunion, it can drastically worsen this foot condition if you’re not careful. Bruised bunion after running is a common problem that many patients face. Apart from bruising, symptoms that you may have in this situation include toe pain, restricted movement of the toe, foot pain, inflammation, and swelling.
What’s the Difference Between Bunion Pain and Bruised Bunion Pain?
A bruised bunion is essentially a bone bruise – since a bunion is a bony protrusion. This is a rather serious injury – not like a regular bruise on the skin. Bone bruises are contusions of the bone. The bone tissue is damaged, but there isn’t a fracture. If you have a bunion bruise, you shouldn’t walk or run. Instead, go see a doctor who can do an X-ray and recommend treatment. Compared to regular bunion pain, bruised bunion hurts even more, plus stiffness and swelling in the joint are more severe.
What Are the Causes of Bruised Bunions From Running?
Bone bruises are usually a result of a blunt-force impact, and running is one of countless situations when that can occur – direct impact when your foot hits the ground can result in injuries. When there’s a bunion involved, the chances of an injury (or just increased pain) are a bit higher than usual. Here’s what you need to know:
- Improper Footwear
- Too Tight Shoes: Shoes that are too narrow or tight can put excessive pressure on the bunion area, leading to bruising.
- Lack of Support: Footwear without proper arch support can cause misalignment, contributing to bunion bruising.
- Running Technique and Surface
- Hard Surfaces: Running on hard surfaces like concrete can increase the impact on the bunion area, causing bruising.
- Poor Running Technique: An improper running gait can lead to uneven distribution of weight, putting extra stress on the bunion.
- Pre-existing Bunion Condition
- Severity of Bunions: The more pronounced the bunion, the more likely it is to become bruised during running.
- Inflammation: If the bunion is already inflamed, it can be more susceptible to bruising.
- Lack of Proper Warm-up and Stretching
- Muscle Rigidity: Without proper warm-up, the muscles and joints may be more rigid, leading to increased pressure on the bunion.
- Inadequate Stretching: Failing to stretch the foot muscles properly can cause tightness, contributing to bruising.
- Underlying Health Conditions
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can make the bunion area more prone to bruising.
- Blood Disorders: Certain blood disorders that affect clotting can lead to easier bruising.
How Long Does It Take for a Bunion Bruise to Heal?
It’s important to keep in mind that every patient is different, but, in general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your bone to heal from this contusion. If you’re a smoker, it may take you even longer since smoking tends to prolong healing.
What Are the Treatment Options?
If left untreated, bone bruises can affect the blood flow in the injured bone, which is why you should visit your foot doctor immediately if you think you’ve bruised your bunion. Your podiatrist will request an X-ray to determine the extent of the injury and then recommend the following treatments.
Rest and Ice Therapy
For bone bruises, doctors usually recommend an RIE therapy plan – rest, ice, and elevation. You should rest and avoid putting weight on your foot. Use ice packs to help with pain and swelling, and elevate the injured foot several times a day for about 20 minutes.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relief
Your doctor may also recommend pain medication if your condition requires it – keep in mind that pain levels are individual. If the pain is strong, you will be recommended to take some over-the-counter pain medication. It’s usually best to take NSAIDs, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about how much and how often you should take them.
Seek Help From Your Miami Foot Doctor
A bruised bunion is a severe condition that absolutely has to be treated by a professional. You need a skilled and trustworthy podiatrist who has experience treating this kind of condition. All of our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic fit this description – contact us to book your free first consultation, and we will make sure you get the best care for your bunions.
