Being a runner with bunions can be very difficult. Bunions can cause pain and discomfort in your sneakers. Additionally they can effect propulsion at the big toe joint. There are many different treatments for bunions including surgery. However, some people might not be able to take the time off to have bunion surgery. In that case the choice treatment may be to acquire a bunion splint. Now if you are an avid runner you are not going to to find the bunion splint you need at the local Walgreens. You will have specific traits you need in the splint.
First you have to decide what you want your bunion splint to do. Do you want your bunion splint to hold the toe straight or do you want padding on the bunion to reduce the pain from friction against the shoe? Or do you want a bunion splint that can accomplish both? Here are a couple bunion splints that might be what you are looking for:
Dr. Rogo Bunion Relief– If you are looking for a bunion splint that just provides padding this might be the ideal bunion splint for you. It’s simple to apply with a sleek design that makes it fit in a shoe easily. It’s also inexpensive. Now, it will not hold the toe straight, but it will keep pressure off your bunion.
Bunion Aid Hinged Splint– This is the only splint you will find with a hinge at the big toe joint. This in theory should aid the joint in propulsion. The disadvantage of this splint is that it is fairly bulky so it does not fit in sneakers easily. However, if you want the Cadillac of bunion splints this is probably the choice. This will also hold the toe straight, but the padding is just adequate on the bunion, however.
Dr. Fredericks Original Gel Sleeves- This is my favorite bunion splint for runners. I like the fit and it will hold the toe straight as well as provide padding on the toe. It also is a very comfortable fit for the bunion.