Bunions!

[rubyshoes]

So... after about 2 months of my feet hurting like crazy, I went to the doctor and guess what he said? I have bunions! He basically said there's no cure and they're not so bad that he would recommend anything as drastic as surgery. He just said to wear wide, comfortable shoes (I had actually brought my favorite pair to show him) and to ice my feet at the end of the day. He essentially said it's something you inherit and just deal with. I asked him about bunion cushions and he said I can use them if they help me feel more comfortable but that's about it. He said to call him if they get much worse.

Do any of you guys have bunions? Anything that helped you? Anything that I should do other than what the doc said? (TIA!)

 

[AprilBaby]

My gf has them from wearing pointed , very high heels for years. Now she has to wear flats all the time and she wants to get them fixed. It's not pleasant. I had a bone spur done and saw the photos of the bunion surgery. Ewww. She misses her heels but man are her feet ugly now.

 

[JewelFreak]

The tendency to them is inherited but they can be made worse by the shoes you wear -- narrow pointed toes, etc. I confess to having them, just like my grandmother did. I only wear buttery, soft-leather shoes or fabric shoes. Less uncomfortable. Until we moved south & found there are icky critters lurking in the grass, I rarely even wore shoes at home. Everyone I know who has had surgery has been very glad they did, but I'm too chicken!

Not much fun, you have my sympathy!

--- Laurie

 

[Snicklefritz]

Hi rubyshoes! I have shared the same pain, and boy can it be a pain And, like you, mine are never bad enough to need real medical attention.

I usually get bunions in the mid-late winter after I've been wearing pointed closed-toed shoes for a couple months. When they get bad, I try to wear open sandals with the strap that goes between the big toe and the other toes, because the strap will often help pull the big toe back in the direction it's supposed to be. Bunions are usually the result of the big toe being pushed too far inward (as in heels and pointed shoes) and bunion tissue starts growing that way causing your toe to remain angled inward.

These are the actual sandals I wear, and I can instantly tell a difference in terms of reduced pain and pressure when I put them on.
http://www.sears.com/skechers-women-s-rasta-sandal-brown/p-05470099000P

Another trick is to put some padding between your big toe and other toes so that it looks like you big toe is back in normal position. Then put your socks and shoes on over to help keep the padding in place. The padding helps support and readjust your big toe.

 

[rubyshoes]

Thanks guys... I am going to talk to a physiotherapist friend and ask her for advice. She's out of town so I have to wait a bit.

Snicklefritz, my feet look wayyyyy more like the 'normal foot' x-ray you posted than the bunioned foot. So maybe I caught this at the beginning of the problem? What's bumming me out is I literally NEVER wear heels (mostly because I'm clumsy) so I feel a little cheated that I got 'em. I'd really like to fix it with physio if that's even possible.

 

[KaeKae]

I have them, or rather, I have one on my right foot. I had the one on my left foot removed about three years ago, and am so glad I did! The doctor didn't recommend doing the surgery on the second foot, because it wasn't as bad, but I sort of wish I had, because my left foot looks and feels so much better!

Yes, recovery was hard, and I cannot imagine having both done at the same time. (My doctor had a patient I would see in the waiting room before my follow up appointments, who had both done, it was a much harder recovery for her.)

 

[Snicklefritz]

Thanks guys... I am going to talk to a physiotherapist friend and ask her for advice. She's out of town so I have to wait a bit.

Snicklefritz, my feet look wayyyyy more like the 'normal foot' x-ray you posted than the bunioned foot. So maybe I caught this at the beginning of the problem? What's bumming me out is I literally NEVER wear heels (mostly because I'm clumsy) so I feel a little cheated that I got 'em. I'd really like to fix it with physio if that's even possible.

Hope I didn't worry you, rubyshoes! My feet never get as bad as the bunioned foot in the x-ray either. It's just a good example showing what happens when a bunion occurs. My bunions have always completely gone away after a few weeks of wearing the sandals and padding when I can, and comfortable/wide shoes (like the ones you mentioned) elsewhere; so I'm sure there's hope for you!!! And, I sympathize because I usually wear heels only 3-4 times a year, so I felt cheated too. In my case though, it's more about pointed shoes than it is about heels. I can wear open-toed strappy heels without any problems whatsoever.

 

[Clairitek]

I have one on my left foot that I inherited from my mother and it's certainly getting more freaky-looking over the years. It doesn't bother me too much but I am really good about avoiding shoes that will hurt. Heels are very iffy since the toe boxes are normally pretty small. I have narrow feet otherwise but I can't wear heels (or any shoes, really) that cut into the bunion. Blisters galore if I do! I find that making sure I have adequat arch support really helps to avoid the bunion pain.

ETA: Now that I've seen those x-rays I'm totally freaked out!

 

[Snicklefritz]

I have one on my left foot that I inherited from my mother and it's certainly getting more freaky-looking over the years. It doesn't bother me too much but I am really good about avoiding shoes that will hurt. Heels are very iffy since the toe boxes are normally pretty small. I have narrow feet otherwise but I can't wear heels (or any shoes, really) that cut into the bunion. Blisters galore if I do! I find that making sure I have adequat arch support really helps to avoid the bunion pain.

ETA: Now that I've seen those x-rays I'm totally freaked out!

Sorry, Clairitek!

 

[Harpertoo]

I had what's commonly referred to as bunion surgery on both feet - back to back - last winter. I have a screw in each of my first metatarsals.
My foot problems were definitely inherited. And while I wear heels now, I did not most of my life, although I've been a distance runner most of my life which I'm sure exacerbated my overpronation.
Anyway I would not have had the surgery if my pain had not started to interfere with my running and just general comfort. I started to have shooting pains at random times - even while not wearing shoes. My pod. said it was nerve damage. I believe in many cases bunions are somewhat a matter of genetic destiny. I've read bunions have been documented in societies where shoes are not even worn. I hope you can avoid the need for surgery, but it's not necessarily a horrible procedure.
I'm really pleased with the outcome. I'm both running and wearing all my shoes w/o pain. It was a great outcome for me.
Good luck w/ the PT.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

I just had bunion surgery on one foot done in November and will have the other foot done this year too. I will write more after my kids go to bed but basically they shaved the bone, then cut it in half, moved it over in an "aggressive shift," and put it back together with two screws.

I will attach a before and after x-ray. I wouldn't have had it done had I not been in excruciating pain on a daily basis.

 

[VRBeauty]

I'm pretty sure I have bunions though I've never gone in for a diagnosis. I've had periods when pretty much any shoe with any heel was a pain to wear - that was when I invested in a few pair of good flats and discovered Dansko's. For me the periods of prolonged pain are few and far between - when it happens I resort to Danskos or supportive sandals for a few weeks. Unfortunately the bunions limit my shoe choices just because fewer styles fit or look good on me, but I'm not willing to pay for the surgery for that, and I doubt my insurance will pay for me to have the surgery just so I can expand my shoe wardrobe!

 

[canuk-gal]

I just had bunion surgery on one foot done in November and will have the other foot done this year too. I will write more after my kids go to bed but basically they shaved the bone, then cut it in half, moved it over in an "aggressive shift," and put it back together with two screws.

I will attach a before and after x-ray. I wouldn't have had it done had I not been in excruciating pain on a daily basis.[/quote]

HI:

Can you share why? Was the recovery "eventful/too much"? My sister needs this surgery....

cheers--Sharon

 

[AprilBaby]

My gf's foot looks worse than that top X-ray!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

I just had bunion surgery on one foot done in November and will have the other foot done this year too. I will write more after my kids go to bed but basically they shaved the bone, then cut it in half, moved it over in an "aggressive shift," and put it back together with two screws.

I will attach a before and after x-ray. I wouldn't have had it done had I not been in excruciating pain on a daily basis.[/quote]

HI:

Can you share why? Was the recovery "eventful/too much"? My sister needs this surgery....

cheers--Sharon

I'm still healing, so my thoughts could change depending on how my foot ends up! The recovery hasn't been too bad- I didn't feel a thing the first day, but the second day was the worst pain ever, I guess due to the swelling. I had to wear a shoe that was designed to keep me off my toes for a week, and since it was my right foot, I couldn't drive. My parents had to come up and help with my kids and between them and my husband, they had to do everything. I had a follow up one week after and got the green light to drive with a special shoe, otherwise I was in an air cast. It was really inconvenient because I'd have to wear the air cast out to my car, switch to the driving shoe, drive to one kid's school, take off the driving shoe, put on the air cast, get kid, take off air cast and put driving shoe back on, drive to the other kid's school, and repeat the process all over. Fortunately, I won't have to deal with driving issues the next go around since it'll be done on my left foot.

I had to get a pre-OP physical and clearance, but didn't have general anesthesia, just local and a sedative. I was completely out though and the surgery took about an hour. The dr said that healing could take up to a year and my foot is still a bit purplish. The scar is looking good though- I can take a pic of it if you're curious, though my foot is still quite swollen. I do a lot of walking in my work commute and I was able to medically telework for two weeks; next time, I think I'll ask for longer.

I've started physical therapy and my toes are very stiff and sore. Each day, though, I can tell there's less pain and swelling, which is encouraging. It's defeating to realize I may go two years without being able fully healed in both feet, and obviously working out has really suffered. My big toe is a little shorter than it used to be.

I had an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in bunions do the procedure. I'd gotten an opinion from a podiatrist who wanted to also lower my 2nd metatarsals (which are raised for some reason), but the orthopod thought the bunion removal would correct that.

I was in serious pain daily and it didn't matter what shoes I wore. Someone above mentioned Danskos, which are very comfortable, but my bunions hurt even in those. I didn't have particularly unsightly bunions and would definitely not have surgery just to fix them cosmetically. I've heard repeatedly that what looks like minor bunions can be very painful, while bunions the size of Delaware might not hurt at all. My aunt has very large bunions, but hers don't hurt and she's not going to have surgery if they're not causing her pain.

Good luck to your sister! If it tells you anything, I still plan to do the second foot, and I know some people decide the first recovery is so bad, they dispense with doing the second foot.

 

[ChristineRose]

See a podiatrist. I have custom orthotics. And by custom, I mean custom, designed by him and made by hand. You can try the drugstore or running store brands if you need to save money, but don't bother with the "stand in a box" kind. They cost almost as much as the real thing, may or may not be the best kind for your biomechanics, and are easy to screw up. Mine are nothing like anything you can buy or get from the internet.

 

[ame]

I was born with mine and had them fixed in 7th grade, both at the same time. There's definitely a difference between the real deal genetic ones, and those caused by wearing ill fitting or high heeled shoes. The way that bone and joint are formed naturally vs adjusted by a shoe are different. I never really wore heels, so don't feel totally cheated, mine were genetic. My brother has em pretty bad too. He's not fixed his because his aren't bothering him. I was in a LOT of pain through my childhood, soccer and gymnastics were part of my life and it was causing a lot of issues with running because of the joint pain, it was affecting my arch, and causing issues with my feet in general, so when it was a possibility to do, and we were able to do both at once, my mom and dad and I agreed to just do it, because after watching my grandma bail on the 2nd foot after having only done one...we knew it was better to jump right in.

It's not a quick or super easy recovery by any stretch and if you're not in serious pain I wouldn't go that far. From talking with LS about this before she did it, I know she was in a LOT of pain, and it was worthwhile to her. I think when she's fully healed and back to 100% she's going to notice a significant difference.

My afters are not as great as Logan's anymore, but they're pretty great considering how bad mine were before. Hers are phenomenal and I am kinda jealous! Mine did do a little shifting back, but it's been like 25 years or something now so that's not entirely shocking and I was warned it might happen.

 

[Munchkin]

At mere 34 years old my ortho recommended surgery on my right bunion. I knew it was inevitable, but I hadn't expected it would be so young. My Mum had both done in her late 40s and I was graced with her feet and I shoved said feet into pointe shoes for years. In recent years, though, I've only worn dansko clogs to work so I was surprised at how bad the right had gotten.

Unfortunately, I would have to be non weight bearing for 2 weeks post op. That won't exactly work with a two year old and a 70 mile/day commute on my driving foot.

I wore a CAM boot for a few weeks to alleviate nerve pain and have successfully staved off surgery for the time being. I did have to totally reassess my footwear, though. I went up a size and width (I use heel grippers and forefoot pads to fill gaps) and wear Keene shoes to work. I changed my brand of running and tennis shoes, and am barefoot whenever possible. I even found some socks (IE with tight arch support) also caused me pain.

A major problem is that my right foot is a 6 while my left is a 6.5 and my heels are narrow while I need width at the forefoot.

It plain old stinks. Let me tell you, I've broken a lot of bones (including my femur!) and foot pain burns like nothing else!

I sympathize, and good luck!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Since Ame mentioned my after picture, I'll attach a shot of the before and after of the external view. You can still see the swelling in the foot, but it's only been 9 weeks since the surgery. Ame has been a wonderful resource and support for me.

I actually ended up talking to a chiropractor (randomly- was helping jump start his car) who said that he can help alleviate pain and even prevent them, but we both agreed I would've had to have seen him ten years ago for him to have had the chance to do any good. Mine are genetic- I don't wear heels in general and actually spent the majority of my teens and twenties in Birkenstocks. My twin has them too and we've tried all the tricks to help with the pain.

I do think recovery depends on your situation- as I mentioned earlier, I have two kids who are still little at 3 and 5, and recovery would've been very difficult and burdensome on my husband if my parents hadn't come up for two weeks.

ETA- sorry- hope the foot picture isn't too gross. I have unattractive feet in general, bunion or no bunion.

 

[ame]

Damn that just looks so good! It really is incredible! I cannot wait to see it in another month when it's much less swollen and you're more normalized. The incision and joint itself like I said is gonna be tender a while, that's just how it is. But it's gonna get better. They'll tell you (probably not for a little while longer yet) to massage the incision and that it will help deaden that pain a little and make it feel better faster, but you have more healing to do before they want you messing with that area.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Thanks for the picture--I think you foot looks pretty darn good!

My sister has had a major deformity for many years--and some pain but not enough to greatly affect her ADL--as she still runs, etc. She did state recently that as she is getting older, it is becoming more problematic in terms of her "gait" as well as increasing pain--which has prompted her seeing a specialist. She doesn't want to go through the recovery period and inactivity--that is why she has put off surgical intervention as long as she has.

cheers--Sharon

 

[LaraOnline]

My gf has them from wearing pointed , very high heels for years..

ReallY??!!

 

[JulieN]

I inherited mine, but it was brought on by wearing a slightly too small shoe.

 

[Clairitek]

I inherited mine, but it was brought on by wearing a slightly too small shoe.

Though the propensity for them is inherited I do agree that wearing shoes that are too small can make it worse. My mom inherited it from her mother but wore shoes that were way too small for years while working on her feet. Because of this she was always very militant about what kind of shoes I wore growing up and made sure they fit properly. I haven't been able to avoid the bunion completely but after seeing some of the xrays here I realize mine isn't as bad as it could be, yet. And it doesn't really hurt me at all (which is why my podiatrist has not recommended surgery).

 

[ChristineRose]

My dad has the worst deformity I've ever seen. Technically his are not bunions because they are not sore. I asked my podiatrist about shoes and he said it was genetic and that some people will get them no matter shoes they wear. If you think about it you can probably convince yourself of this. The bone grows in response to pressure from the bones knocking together when you walk. It happens because your foot naturally pronates (rolls in) while you walk and if you have a short second metatarsal (long bone from ankle to toe) you have a tendency to push into a tip-toe position at toe-off. Probably not explaining that very well.

Tight shoes simply don't do this. Even extremely tight shoes wouldn't press the forward bone into the back bone. High heels might, but so might walking in shoes that were simply too long. Or too wide. It's the abnormal gait that counts. And if the bones were normally aligned and the high heel fit reasonably, it wouldn't jam the bones together either. In fact jumping activities like ballet or basketball are worse than high heels. Most doctors now will say that you can't get a bunion unless you've got some sort of defective biomechanics.

Women get them more often than men, and this has been traditionally blamed on pretty shoes, but it's also likely to be a wide pelvis and looser ligaments that lead us to roll our feet in and out more when we walk.

Sorry, I'm probably not explaining this very well. I spend way too much time thinking about my feet but I'm no doctor!

 

[AprilBaby]

My gf has them from wearing pointed , very high heels for years..

ReallY??!!

Yep. Logan's before looks good compared to hers. I have never heard of a man with bunions, very interesting.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

My husband has bunions too, but only one of his hurts and it's not too painful. You better believe I'll be watching my kids' feet like a hawk!

I also wanted to say I have flat feet and overpronate a lot, which I think has helped cause the bunions. Obviously I have all sorts of custom orthotics in a variety of materials, but none of them worked. The reason I had the surgery done at 37 was because various doctors predicted they would worsen and that the procedures would become much more invasive with a much harder recovery. I can't imagine going another 20 or 30 years in worsening pain. My physical therapist told me that when she works with teenagers, they usually only need one or two sessions and they're back to 100% with full range of motion much quicker than adults. I wish I'd considered surgery in my twenties, when they started to decline.

 

[ame]

My gf has them from wearing pointed , very high heels for years..

ReallY??!!

Yep. Logan's before looks good compared to hers. I have never heard of a man with bunions, very interesting.

They definitely have em. My brother's are ridiculous but his don't hurt him, or at least not enough to act on it.

Her after is seriously insanely awesome. I actually (ridiculously) thought "I wonder if they can redo mine now that time has passed and make them even better..."

 

[ame]

My husband has bunions too, but only one of his hurts and it's not too painful. You better believe I'll be watching my kids' feet like a hawk!

I also wanted to say I have flat feet and overpronate a lot, which I think has helped cause the bunions. Obviously I have all sorts of custom orthotics in a variety of materials, but none of them worked. The reason I had the surgery done at 37 was because various doctors predicted they would worsen and that the procedures would become much more invasive with a much harder recovery. I can't imagine going another 20 or 30 years in worsening pain. My physical therapist told me that when she works with teenagers, they usually only need one or two sessions and they're back to 100% with full range of motion much quicker than adults. I wish I'd considered surgery in my twenties, when they started to decline.

I will say that I am SO GLAD that I did it when I was so young. I feel like I healed better, and could bounce back easier then. I don't know how I'd do now.

 

[iheartscience]

I definitely have one on my left foot, but it isn't painful, so I'm not going to do anything about it. I think they're inherited (or the propensity is) because my feet look exactly like my dad's, and he has never worn high heels or pointy toed shoes, at least that I know of. I actually pretty much never wear high heels, but I did wear a lot of super flat flats for a while (with no arch support), which probably didn't help.

I would bet it's due to feet/gait in my case-my dad and I have identical feet and legs and we both tend to wear our shoes down on the heels the same way. Oh and we both have super flat feet-he actually wasn't drafted into Vietnam because of his flat feet.

I will say that since moving to a stand up desk and wearing Danskos, my flat feet have improved a lot...I even have an arch! (It's tiny, but it's there!)