Can Bunions Affect the Way You Walk?

Written By Alysia Ward

Your feet are designed to support the entire weight of your body, and much of that weight (around 40 percent) is the responsibility of your big toe. If anything affects the way your big toe functions, it can have a major impact on supporting your body weight, and thus, the way you walk.

Since bunions have the possibility of pushing the big toe toward the smaller toes, it displaces the big toe from its normal position, and reduces its weight-bearing capability. This, in turn, can cause your walking motion to change to accommodate the altered position of your big toe. Over time, this may cause you to develop a significantly different walking motion.

Why does my bunion hurt when I walk?

The reason you may feel pain when walking is that much of your weight is centered on that bunion, causing it to become inflamed because the bunion itself is not meant to support your body weight. More than likely, your shoe will also be rubbing against your bunion, and this can cause a painful friction that will result in additional pain as you walk.

In addition, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, the joint may swell and develop a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac. Tight-fitting shoes can aggravate this sac and cause even more pain.

Walking barefoot with bunions - good or bad?

It might be tempting to walk barefoot or to wear flip-flops because of the freedom they give your bunion. However, this is typically not a good idea because there won't be any arch support for your feet, which can cause uneven weight distribution. At a time when your feet are already stressed, walking barefoot with bunions takes away one means of support from your feet.

Walking shoes for people with bunions

Since bunions can cause pain when walking, your physician can recommend a walking shoe for bunions that minimizes pain. There are some walking shoes that have been manufactured with bunions in mind, and have a stretchable upper design that accommodate bunions without putting undue pressure on them. Stretchable walking shoes are best suited for people who have bunions, neuropathy, or hammertoes. 

Options for bunion treatment 

For less developed bunions, your physician may recommend various treatment options such as using ice packs, warm soaks, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Whirlpools and massages may also provide relief. For more advanced bunions, however, your physician may suggest surgery. When surgery is indicated, Paragon 28’s surgical procedure – the Phantom® Small Bone Intramedullary Nail procedure – provides a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedure.

The new Phantom® MIS procedure calls for three small surgical cuts to be made in the foot, and the intramedullary nail placed at the point of the bunion. Recovery time may be quicker than traditional surgery because of its minimally invasive nature.

Regardless of whether or not your bunions are affecting the way you walk, you’ll likely want to speak with a physician to understand your treatment options. Visit our surgeon finder to locate a doctor near you performing the Phantom® Small Bone Intramedullary Nail procedure.

Important Risk Information

Only a surgeon can tell if the Phantom® Small Bone Intramedullary Nail is right for you. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. Potential risks include but are not limited to infection, discomfort, or swelling due to balancing and introduction of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction. Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

For the contraindications, potential complications and adverse reactions, warnings and precautions associated with this device, please refer to the device specific instructions for use at http://www.paragon28.com/ifus.

For additional information on Paragon 28® and its products please visit www.paragon28.com.

Alysia Ward
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