I had it done two years ago. It was more pain than I expected for the first two to three days, but I wasn’t great at staying ahead of it with the meds. after that, recovery was simply a process of gradually increasing the amount of time on your feet and flexibility. I was serious about PT, so I was back to running with minor discomfort within three months and pain free by the fourth month. I still get some minor numbness in my fourth toe from walking outside when it’s cold, but that was nerve damage that occurred due to the bunion not the surgery. I also have a sensitive spot that hurts like hell if I hit my foot on something or feels weird if I just bump it, but that happens rarely. Overall, best decision ever. FWIW, prior to surgery, my pain wasn’t constant but it was unpredictable. Like, I could hike four miles one day and be fine, then on another be in excruciating pain after only two. I also could try on every shoe in DSW and never find one that fit. Surgery didn’t make all shoes comfortable, but now I can at least get the comfort shoes on my feet.

The pain is not a problem if you keep up with the pain meds. I had it done 30 years ago, was hobbling around for a little while, but life is oh so much better! My bunion was so bad I was putting holes in my shoes where it would poke through! No problems since having the procedure done (sorry, I do not remember the doctors name)

How much pain did you experience when you finally agreed to surgery? My rheumatologist wants me to consult a podiatrist about my bunions.

Only one really bothers me and it’s not worse than a 4 ever. However, I have several serious chronic illnesses and based on past experiences, have a reasonable fear that if I put off something elective, I might be too sick in the future to get it done. I’ve already missed my window for a few quality of life surgeries because specialists wouldn’t sign off on them.

I had it done maybe 15 years ago and no regrets. Able to run pain free. Still have to wear sensible, supportive footwear but happy with results. Dr Graziano did mine - no idea if he is still in the area.

Anonymous wrote:It took a year to recover. Do it only if you are in pain. Seriously, it was a year before I could say it was worth it. My toe joint is very stiff, but no longer painful. I barely have any flexion or extension. But no pain.

Same here. Mine was a few years ago and no longer hurts regularly but I still get occasional twinges of pain. However, it is better overall than the daily pain I had from my bunions, which was so bad it was not a surface skin pain but it actually felt like deep in the joint it was getting arthritic or something.

I did both feet about 20 years ago (separate surgeries about 2 years apart). I wasn't in terrible pain, but was definitely uncomfortable and was starting to get weird skin irritations on the actual bunions. It was the best thing I could've done for myself. While, yes, it does take about a year to be "back to normal," the recovery included about 2 weeks on crutches and 6 weeks in a shoe/boot. Then you're down to tennis shoes/sneakers, and low profile comfortable shoes for the next 3-4 months. I was back in heels within 8-9 months at the very most. Sensible shoes and not pushing it too far were how I managed.

In terms of long-term impact, I do have one foot where my big toe has some limited mobility with attempting to stand on my toes. However, it's minimal and does not impact anything in terms of daily life or shoe choices.

My doctor was Dr. Richard Cohen in Greenbelt, Maryland. He was fantastic.

FInd someone that does the minimally invasive. Maybe Dr. Kaas in Fairfax?

It took a year to recover. Do it only if you are in pain. Seriously, it was a year before I could say it was worth it. My toe joint is very stiff, but no longer painful. I barely have any flexion or extension. But no pain.

Was it worth it (down time and pain) and was there a DMV Dr. that you liked? Considering surgery and have only heard/seen cases with a lot of pain and lots of down time.