Those who suffer from bunion pain often find themselves unable to be active for as long as they’d like. People afflicted by bunions are frequently cutting their hikes, runs, walks and nights out dancing short, thanks to foot discomfort. And for the bunion sufferer who’s hoping to age gracefully, this might be bad news. Take it from a man who is two months from 90 and so far has mastered aging: iconic comedian Dick Van Dyke. Van Dyke shared his secrets with Joe Fryer of the Today Show, and his primary piece of advice was this: Move.
The Today Show’s clip features a montage of Van Dyke in the gym, working out on various machines, before cutting to his interview with Fryer, in which Van Dyke states that he doesn’t feel his age. This is in part thanks to Van Dyke’s commitment to the gym (apparently he has his own key), but he stays active even in his non-gym life by dancing constantly. “People tell me they can’t move and they can’t shake” Van Dyke tells Fryer. “But everybody can. They may stink at it, but you’ve got to be able to keep moving”. But if you’ve got a bunion that’s keeping you on the couch with your laptop scouring the Internet for some kind of answer, you might be reading this thinking, “I’d totally love to take your advice, Dick, except my bunion is killing me.”
And that’s where our advice comes in.
You have options. Treatments are out there to help you tolerate longer periods of time on your feet, doing the things you love, despite your bunion.
First, consider your shoes. Invest in an athletic shoe that’s wide, roomy and stable. Blogger Lucy Marcovitch recommends the Saucony Omni shoe, which has seen her through two half marathons and a handful of 10Ks, even with her bunion.
Next, socks. We all wear them, but how many of us actually stop to think about how the socks we choose affect our daily lives? We buy them in packs, maybe considering whether our favorite flats will conceal them, but the thought process ends there. Well, keep thinking. Look for anti-blister socks that aren’t necessarily extra-cushioned — they’re out there, and they will help decrease friction between your bunion and your shoe without causing tightness or discomfort. This will ease your pain and keep you on your feet for longer.
Third, consider yoga. Yoga stretches, strengthens and soothes the body, and consistent practice will translate into improving your daily body movements, making them lower-impact and therefore less stressful to your bunion. Weave some yoga into your exercise routine and watch other forms of exercise last longer and become more comfortable.
And finally, look into a flexible bunion splint, such as Bunion Bootie. Bunion Bootie’s reviewers consistently claim they are able to be active on their feet for longer periods of time while wearing it. And it fits comfortably and discreetly in just about any shoe. See how it might improve your daily life and help you follow Dick Van Dyke’s advice for graceful aging.