Bunion surgery

I also had 'hereditary' bunions which were never painful and caused me no problem throughout my life until my big toes started to slant inwards to the rest of my toes. I ended up with one foot where the second toe was going over the top of the big toe - and it was becoming impossible to wear a shoe. I actually had both feet done at the same time since it was obvious the same thing was going to happen to the other foot. DH was a star for the time I was hobbling around on my heels, but I had very little discomfort at all. The biggest problem I had - and to some extent still have - I think is that it has altered the way I walk as my feet now have a different configaration to what they've had all through my life and this has caused problems with my hips and ligaments in my legs. Saying that, there is no way I could have continued as I was, so it's a matter of letting your body slowly adjust. One other difference I noticed straight away - my shoe size increased by at last 1/2 size, and my feet widened. But at least they look reasonable in sandals now

If anybody does opt for surgery, please do not have both feet done at once. It is very difficult to cope after surgery, especially if you live on your own.

Bluebells; if your think joints are starting to hurt please think about wearing a splint whenever possible. The one the hospital gave me has reduced the pain so much that I'm thinking of getting one for my other hand to stop the arthritis getting worse. Hilda; how awful for you. The corn on my 'good' foot is far more painful than my bunion and far more difficult to accommodate in shoes.It hurts horribly when I have it taken out and then just grows straight back again anyway. I'm very loathe to have anything done, footwise, as feet are so difficult to operate on. Am having radiation treatment on the Ledderhose on my left foot as I don't intend to let a surgeon anywhere near it. Having said that, I know a few people that have had successful bunion operations. I guess it's all down to how much it affects your lifestyle.

downtoearth, mine are also hereditary. Surgeon would only do one foot, said the other wasn't causing enough of a problem so best leave well alone. I know how debilitating it can be. Why not ask for a referral to a specialist surgeon and get their advice? A good surgeon won't advise surgery if the outcome is doubtful. I had the option of three locations, researched the surgeons and outcomes at each and then opted for the one with the most experience. The procedure was day surgery, some will use a localised anaesthetic, this one insisted on general. My only gripe really. The first few days were fairly limited but then movement at home was easy, no driving until the post op check which in this surgeon''s case was eight weeks, others were four or six. My experience was of discomfort rather than pain post op. I may have been unusual or maybe lucky. The flat plastic sandal advised after isn't pretty and very tempted to ditch it sooner than advised, I noticed at the checkup that many had, I didn't, kept a sensible head and carried out the surgeon's advice to the letter. Think it has paid dividends but much is down to the skill of the surgeon. Good luck. Why not get some advice? It is only advice and you don't have to go ahead if you prefer not to.

Now at the stage with large bunions that are as old as me...they are hereditary in my case....smothering in ibuprofen gel before any walking activity,especially as we have rehomed a very lively greyhound,my thinking was 2x20 minute walks are doable as per the blurb....not on your life this one sleeps 2x20 minutes and wants to be out the rest of the time,however I digress this has aggravated said bunions to the point that the shoe boxes might be a more comfortable option,did find skechers go walks very comfortable but there is no support for flat feet and fallen arches,an just considering paracetamol everyday.My feet have been a major problem all of my life especially as my work was retail based.was due to have both done about 14 years ago and was postponed due to heavy cold and chest infection Then I was awarded custody of 4yr old GD and feet got put on back burner (not literally although it feels like it at times)am considering my options she is nearly 18 and can look after me now I am 64 in December

My friend with 'young' bunions was given some advice by a podiatrist. If you wear trainers, try boys instead of women's because they are better shaped. Also, if a pair of shoes only rub a little bit, use Vaseline on the sore spot because it will help without ruining the shoes.

I have arthritis and a small bunion on my right big toe it has got progressively worse but I ve heard so many for and against that at the moment I m anti surgery I seem to have equal friends who wish they d never had it done to those swearing by it and a few who say it's made no difference ....it is painful and I know I walk differently and no pretty shoes not even a small heel I have noticed my thumb joints have started to hurt too and can't have operations everywhere so will probably plod on

So agree Charleygirl, needed one foot operated on, oh got to be 6 years ago now. Did what I was told afterwards by the excellent specialist surgeon in Oxford. All went well (other than me not waking up for ages from the general anaesthetic the surgeon insisted on - didn't bother me, I didn't know about it!) pain free since. Others have been less lucky and it seems to be linked to their surgeon's level of experience with feet. The other foot does now have a small bunion, shoe shopping is oh so frustrating which is why I hang on to any pair that is comfortable. I'm happy if my feet are happy .

If any GN decides to see an orthopaedic surgeon, please make sure that it is one who specialises in feet and not one who covers all joints. Feet can be notoriously difficult on which to operate.

I have developed a bunionette or tailors bunion. It's on the outside of my foot on my little toe joint. My lovely winter boots are now very uncomfortable, as are my red leather shoes. The only shoes I can wear for any length of time are my walking shoes, and a pair of Cotton Traders summer shoes. It is a nuisance.

I can only say bunion surgery is so worth it if you are in the pain I was. It is over 30 years ago so I daresay it is 100% better since I had mine but no problem since.

I have one foot wider than the other so when I get new shoes I take the too narrow one to our local cobblers and he stretches it for me. Works well and means I can actually wear the shoes!