How to Manage Bunions Without Surgery: Minimally Invasive Treatments That Work

As a lifelong soccer player and physical therapist here in Boulder, I’ve seen (and felt) firsthand how bunions can hold people back from the activities they love. Whether you’re running, playing soccer or skiing, bunions can make every step painful.

Here's the good news: you don’t have to stop doing what you love, and you don’t have to jump straight to surgery.

At Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy, I help active people manage bunions with an integrative, a minimally invasive, non-surgical approach that works—because I’ve tested it on myself.

My Personal Story: How Years of Soccer and Running Led to My Bunion

After years of playing soccer—cutting, sprinting, and wearing tight cleats—along with countless miles running, I developed a bunion on my right foot. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow progression, starting with occasional discomfort after long matches and eventually turning into more persistent pain that lingered during everyday activities.

At one point, I worried I’d have to stop playing the game I love. But instead of resigning myself to surgery or quitting soccer, I took a deep dive into the root causes of my bunion and developed a proactive treatment plan.

I’m still out on the field today, playing regularly, running trails, and staying active—all while managing my bunion and staying pain-free. And it’s the same approach I now use with my clients who want to avoid surgery and stay active.

Why Do People Get Bunions?

Living in an active community like Boulder, I see bunions show up in athletes of all kinds:

• Runners and trail runners pounding the Boulder roads and terrain

• Soccer players wearing tight cleats and making explosive cuts

• Cyclists pushing hard with narrow cycling shoes

• Skiers and snowboarders wearing stiff boots on the nearby slopes

  
  

All these activities put repetitive stress on the forefoot, especially if footwear doesn’t allow the toes to spread naturally. Over time, this can lead to the development or worsening of hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion.

Avoiding Bunion Surgery: What You Need to Know

Many people believe that bunion surgery is the only solution once pain sets in—but surgery is invasive, requires months of recovery, and doesn’t always address the root cause of the problem.

I focus on preventing the need for surgery through a personalized, hands-on approach that improves the function and strength of your feet. By addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to bunion formation and progression, you can often avoid surgery altogether.

At Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy, I offer minimally invasive bunion treatments that reduce pain, restore mobility, and help prevent the need for surgery by focusing on restoring function through manual therapy, advanced modalities, and targeted foot strengthening exercises—without downtime.

Why Avoid Bunion Surgery?

• Long recovery times (often 6-12 weeks non-weight bearing)

• Surgical risks, including nerve damage and stiffness

• Possible recurrence if root causes aren’t addressed

• Inactivity during recovery, which can set back your fitness goals

My approach gives you a non-invasive option that keeps you moving while reducing pain and improving alignment—no downtime required.

My Proven Non-Surgical Approach to Bunion Management

Here’s exactly what I do to manage my own bunion—and what I recommend to my clients looking to stay active and avoid surgery.

Custom Toe Spacers

I wear custom toe spacers both during sports and at rest. They help keep my toes properly aligned, reduce pressure on the joint, and improve foot mechanics over time. After years of tight cleats and narrow shoes, this was a game-changer.

Targeted Strengthening with the ToePro Platform

Strengthening the foot muscles is crucial. I use the ToePro platform regularly to build foot stability, especially in the small muscles that control toe movement and the arch. This added strength has made a noticeable difference in my ability to cut, sprint, and run without pain.

PEMF & Red Light Therapy

At my Boulder physical therapy office, I use PEMF and red light therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Personally, I rely on these modalities after hard practices or long trail runs to speed up recovery and keep inflammation at bay.

Interdigital Balance Metatarsal Pads & Insoles

I use Human Locomotion metatarsal pads and insoles in my cleats and running shoes. They offer targeted support that offloads pressure from the bunion and encourages better foot function. It’s one of the reasons I can still play soccer without post-game foot pain.

Toe Yoga

It might sound funny, but toe yoga works! I’ve built these exercises into my daily routine to improve mobility and coordination in my toes and foot muscles. Simple moves like toe spreads and big toe lifts have helped keep my foot strong and balanced.

Remember YogaToes? I still use mine regularly.

Using Red Light Therapy to Treat Bunion Pain

Why Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment Works

The key to managing bunions without surgery is consistency and a holistic approach. My program doesn’t just mask the symptoms—we address the root cause by improving foot alignment, mobility, and strength. This approach has kept me active on the field and pain-free, and it can do the same for you.

At Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy, I work one-on-one with you, so you get personalized attention and accountability. Whether you’re gearing up for ski season, running the Boulder Marathon, or getting ready for Boulder Indoor Soccer league, I'll design a plan that fits your life and keeps you moving.

Ready to Avoid Bunion Surgery and Get Back to What You Love?

If you’ve been told that bunion surgery is your only option, I encourage you to explore non-surgical solutions first. Many of my clients come to me for a second opinion, and they’re often surprised by how much progress they can make without ever going under the knife.

How to Connect with Me:

• Book a Free Consultation Call

• Book Your First Session

• Learn more about me, Colin O'Banion, and my experience

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Colin O’Banion, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Colin is a licensed Physical Therapist and founder of Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado. With 20 years of experience, he specializes in solving complex and chronic pain cases through a root-cause, integrative approach. Colin combines advanced manual therapy, shockwave therapy, dry needling, and movement re-education to help clients return to the activities they love. His one-on-one practice is dedicated to clients seeking lasting solutions when traditional PT has fallen short.