Anyone have bunions?

[Anonymous]

I just read the thread about high-heeled shoes and it got me thinking about my stupid feet. I feel like an old lady because I'm getting bunions on both feet and I'm not even 40 yet! My mom has the REALLY bad, so I know I inherited them from her. Now that it's almost sandal season, I'm dreading exposing my formerly cute feet in flip flops and sandals. It seems like they've gotten worse over the winter, which I can't understand 'cause I'm at SAHM and practically live in slip-on sporty sneakers or running shoes. Are there any other bunion sufferers out there, and are you embarrassed to expose your feet? Where do you find comfortable dressy/cute shoes that are geriatric looking?

I even asked a podiatrist about surgery to remove them and he said they don't recommend it unless it is an extreme case where the pain is intolerable, etc... Basically, he said they won't do it for aesthetic reasons. I know I'm pretty vain about it -- most likely because I used to like my feet and now they're deformed looking to me. javascript:emoticon('');

[Anonymous]

I've had a bunion on one foot my entire life. The way it looked never bothered me much, but it did hurt at times and it is hard to find sandals or formal shoes that fit. You have to try on a lot of things, but there are shoes out there that are cute and will fit comfortably.

I definitely recommend going to shoe stores with real service (esp. the mom and pop stores), not discount chains or dept. stores. They can size you correctly. You may need a wider size now. Naturalizer and Easy Spirit are great and carry wides. Lucky for me, I hate wearing heels and my job doesn't call for it anyway.

I'm actually probably going to have my bunion removed soon because after 2 kids, my feet spread and it's gotten worse and more painful. I wouldn't bother with surgery though unless it really is hurting you - otherwise insurance will not pay for it.

[Anonymous]

My sister has/had them. She had surgery on one foot and is planning to do the other. In the meantime I bought her a pair of 'yoga toes'. They are toe spacers that she wears when she bums around the house. She likes them.
Her surgery went well. She did the worse of the two first and still wears heels -- high ones (she's 28).
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

I just had bunion surgery on one foot. My bunion wasn't very obvious, but it was painful and shoes were becoming more and more uncomfortable. My surgeon was excellent, and now I'm almost completely recovered. Life is too short for painful feet!

[Anonymous]

Could those of you who have had surgery or know someone who has recommend (or not) your surgeon? I'm looking at this as well. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Dr. Stephen Kominsky
Med Atlantic Podiatry Associates
4900 Massachusetts Ave., NW Suite 315
Wash., DC 20016
[phone]

[Anonymous]

Dr. Sankara Kothakota, MD

5632 Annapolis Road
Bladensburg, MD 20710

20:01 post here

[Anonymous]

Follow up question: Is it better to see a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon for bunion removal? I was going to see a podiatrist but my mom, a nurse, told me I'd be much better off with an orthopedic surgeon. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Dr. Kothakota is an orthopedic surgeon. My sis went right to him.

[Anonymous]

I had surgery for the removal of one of my bunions. I thought it was the WORST recovery experience and would not recommend the procedure unless you were in extreme pain. The break your big toe, cut the bunion out of your bone, and then reset the big toe with a metal pin. It was awful and I will not be doing the other foot.

[Anonymous]

I had bunion surgery for my right foot- it was unbeareable hurt (when I was 30)- the surgery was ok- but I got set back so much- it was so painful! I needed to be carried to go to the bathroom after surgery.. I am lucky that it did not revert so far- but it is a very big change- you'll be in pain, pain killers, on crutches- and anything can set back your recovery - so take it seriously.. I remember just tripping on my larger shoes and it set this huge pain- and that set me off longer to recovery. The surgery was successful and I have been almost 10 years with no change back to bunion.. I think it's worth it but keep in mind it's not a minor surgery.. You have to be in severe pain to justify the pain you'll go through after the surgery.. gl!

[Anonymous]

I'm the poster who had my right foot done (by a podiatric surgeon, even though I have family members who are orthopedists). I stayed home the day of the surgery, wore a surgical boot, went to work the next day, and my recovery was no problem. I had some soreness, but kept icing my foot. I even kept working out, although I only did exercises where I wouldn't be placing weight on my foot. Everyone's recovery is different, but mine was really not bad, and I'm so glad I did it.