Bunion Fun

[bacarver]

My big toe is big and getting bigger. It's getting "crooked-er". It hurts when it wants. It aches because it rubs on my shoes. Do I sound like an "Old Fart" or WHAT!?
I'm wondering when I'll make an appointment with a foot doctor because I want this thing repaired. I don't want to take pain meds or wear contraptions because the problem will continue despite these approaches.
I have always worn loose fitting shoes.
Anyone have experience with this?
My right foot Sidi cycling shoe fits perfectly now, but may be too tight in the next few months because of the rate of growth going on here with this bump.
I'm going to fight the process of aging every step of the way!
Barb

[pll]

There are two good reasons to postpone surgical "repair" as long as possible: (1) From all I have read, you may loose some mobility in the joint; (2) It may re-develop since the cause is biomechanical. I went through a similar period years ago, but it seems to have stabilized and does not hurt. That's when I started to use insoles with arch support in various shoes (now I have them in my cycling shoes as well, the Specialized BG footbeds, 3/4 Birkenstock insoles in my loafers...).

[KnottedYet]

Please consider going to a PT who can post you a pair of temporary orthotics/insoles. You might be able to get the bunion down to a dull roar, which in the long run could be a better deal than surgery. (especially because if it is a biomechanical bunion it WILL come back if the mechanical issues aren't addressed)

If you want to get the toe out straight a little more, try wearing Chaco Z-2 or ZX-2 sandals. (you can wear them with Injini socks in the winter)

Bunions are NOT a normal part of aging. They are a symptom of a problem, particularly when they are only on one foot. (ask the PT to assess your level of overpronation left versus right and to check for a leg length discrepancy where the bunion leg might be longer. there are several potential causes of a unilateral bunion, and they should check you for all of them)

www.chacousa.com
http://www.injinji.com/

[mtbdarby]

Barb,
I'm struggling with this right now as well. Mine is compounded by a hypermobile first joint so if I could lose some mobility in that joint it would be a good thing

I went the custom orthotics route without any improvement but I would still recommend it. I am also learning chi running to help with my biomechanics but I will consider surgery perhaps next winter if it doesn't improve.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[SlowButSteady]

I have bilateral bunions (well, not any more: the left one has been surgically repaired).

"They," whoever they are, blame bunions on ill-fitting shoes and the vanities of the fashion industry. But I probably have them because there is not a commercially made shoe that has ever fit my feet, as I've never worn heels or anything remotely fashionable. I've actually been shopping for shoes and sat down in stores and CRIED out loud because I could not find shoes.

My foot is about a 3W wide and about a 6.5 to 7.0 (long) in regular US sizing. I don't know how it is in other parts of the world, but the women's shoe industry in the US is HORRIBLE. If your foot doesn't fit their Barbie-doll shoes, tough, go barefoot.

The custom-made orthotics I tried were worse than without as far as foot pain. The custom made shoes also did not work. I now wear mostly men's shoes, when I can find them short enough for me. I'm not a girly-girl, but every once and a while, I wish I could wear some pretty shoes.

The foot that was operated on is currently my good foot and I'm glad I had it done. An un-bunion-related injury (falling down a flight of stairs) forced me to have the surgery. But it honestly hurt for about 3 years after the surgery and that's why I didn't have the other one done shortly after the first. I wish now that I had them both done at the same time.

I chose a podiatrist (randomly) and wasn't super-confident in him, so I asked an orthopedic surgeon to recommend the Southeast's best foot surgeon. I ended up driving a state away for a surgeon who had written a chapter in an orthopedic surgery text about foot surgery. I'm not sure I'm any better off than I would have been having it done locally, and it would've saved over 5 hours driving for each doctor visit.

Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by the surgery. Does your foot hurt now, or is it more cosmetic?

It does sound like you have some basic biomechanical reason for just having one foot affected. You may find that you need to address the underlying biomechanical cause +/- surgery +/- "contraptions."

FWIW, the contrapion I wore on my foot that was operated on was soft and really did make it feel better. It was something I wore only at night, kinda like a retainer. I'm seven years after the surgery and the bunion has not reoccured. Nor do I take pain meds.

On a happy note, foot pain during running led me to start cycling.

Good luck.

[bacarver]

Thank you so much for the ideas, encouragement, and suggestions. I now have a better starting point as I consider contacting a doctor.
Of course, I'm wondering about the cost factor. How much am I going to pay for all this? This is gonna add up.
Like anyone else, I hope I can locate a GOOD health care provider. I've had too many who only complicate my world. I'm a nurse but I still have to navigate an appointment like it's an obstacle course of survival.
I recently told my family doctor about my bunion and she mumbled about pain meds and mumblemumblemumble. I don't want to start eating pain meds. I want to talk to a specialist who can offer suggestions.
Health care in Amercia!! I love it!
Barb

[limewave]

Wow, I wish I had sought more advice about treating bunions. I thought the only cure was a bunionectomy.

I can't even remember the pain I used to experience, although I do remember telling people it was like my foot was in a vice and my bones were being crushed. I couldn't run, I couldn't ride my bike for very long, I couldn't wear shoes for long periods of time . . . it was BAD.

So, I had a bilateral bunionectomy four years ago. My experience has been great so far. My feet healed very well and fast because, having both done at the same time, I was forced to stay in bed as opposed to trying to hobble around on one foot. I have two screws in each foot. I haven't had any problems with my feet since then.

[chickwhorips]

I apparently am prone to bunions, but they aren't bad... yet (knock on wood). I did have bunionette (bunions but on the little toe) surgery on both feet this year. One in Jan then the other in Feb. So far good results. No pain, no rubbing, I'm happy with the surgery. My only complication currently is I re-fractured my right foot bone. That's just because I ran out of patience and I think I was doing to much, but I will NEVER admit this. I had gotten to the point that I couldn't walk in shoes at all. I had custom orthotics that helped for a while, but they still got bad so I opted for surgery. There are different kinds of ways to fix it. Some you recover faster but have hardware in your foot, others the recovery is longer but not as much hardware. Either way. Good luck! Foot pain is not fun!

[mimitabby]

gosh, guys! go barefoot! wear flip flops and sandals!
it definitely is NOT a natural aging thing, i am old enough. I have never worn shoes that were too tight and i quit wearing ANY kind of heels when i was in my early 20's.
I gave up on "stylish" back then too. Why? they hurt my feet.
I wore Danner hiking boots daily during my 20's because they were the only thing that was comfortable.
Women's shoe styles are not made for feet. They are made to appease some goofy designers.

and Knot has some good toe exercises for you guys!

[bacarver]

I'm off to the foot doctor this Wed. I'm surprised that he had an opening so soon. (Wonder if this is a bad sign of an empty office?)
I'll be ready with questions.
Off on a medical adventure . . .
Barb

[mtbdarby]

Mimi, the first thing the podiatrist told me was to never, EVER go barefoot. At least with my issue it does make it worse. I don't usually limp but if I go barefoot (sssshhhh, I had to do it on the beach!) I was limping in the sand in a very short time.

Of course, my right foot is a lot worse than my left but that only happened after I dropped the bike trailer on it

Good luck at the consult!

[bacarver]

Went for appointment #1 today. The doctor was nice. (YAY!) He taped my foot and told me to leave the tape in place for 3 days. I am to return next Wed. for orthotic inserts. I don't like this tape. It's irritating, but I can tough it out for a few days.
I bet the inserts won't feel good either. I have to do something though or the problem will just get worse.
Hmmm . . .

[teigyr]

I have the widest and most mishapen feet ever. I can relate

From all my consults, I hear that you have to fix the problem instead of temporarily making it go away. This can involve the fusing of bones and the cutting of a tendon (if I recall it correctly but it sounds BAD!) and then getting rid of the existing bunion. Mine are a result of running a lot in my formative years and wearing extremely inappropriate shoes in my rebel years.

I've heard different thoughts on the surgery. One was to do it early before there is damage that can't be repaired. Also, the younger you are the easier you tolerate surgery. I've also heard that it's better to wait to see if you can slow down the problem.

I have orthotics now. I will say that in running and pushing off on my forefoot, my big toe hurts! I also have to wear mens shoes, EE width. A running store fit me and I no longer have pain or blisters due to my shoes. The joint pain happens no matter what.

I'd also maybe consult with a sports medicine place. That is what I will do when I'm ready. Many sports medicine clinics have surgeons in-house along with PTs and other rehabilitative people. I want a surgeon/clinic who will realize that I am active and I don't want any future activities to be compromised.

I heard the more comprehensive surgery (the one where they ensure the problem won't happen again) is more painful with a longer recovery time. That is the one that was recommended, though, and I was told not to trust someone who said they can just shave the bone down and it is an easy and painless procedure. This could just be my feet though. I haven't had enough consults (and this was years ago) to make me feel comfortable with it though and I don't plan to do this for several years at least.

Bunions = not fun. The worst is when they spasm (unless that's just me) if shoes are touching them. Ouch.

[Tuckervill]

It just doesn't make sense when a doctor says never go barefoot. We weren't born with shoes on. If so much of a bunion is caused by too tight shoes, wouldn't no shoes be the ultimate?

Now, if that doc was talking about not going barefoot if it hurts more that way, then that make sense.

I worked for a podiatrist (transcriptionist) for a while. He did those aggressive bunion surgeries every day. I don't remember anyone ever complaining about it after they healed up.

I stopped wearing high heels in my 20s, too, mostly because of my aunt's bunions! The one day I did wear heels (all day at a wedding) in my 30s, I ended up with a herniated disk in my back! ACK. Heels S*CK!

Karen

[mimitabby]

It just doesn't make sense when a doctor says never go barefoot. We weren't born with shoes on. If so much of a bunion is caused by too tight shoes, wouldn't no shoes be the ultimate?

Now, if that doc was talking about not going barefoot if it hurts more that way, then that make sense.

I worked for a podiatrist (transcriptionist) for a while. He did those aggressive bunion surgeries every day. I don't remember anyone ever complaining about it after they healed up.

I stopped wearing high heels in my 20s, too, mostly because of my aunt's bunions! The one day I did wear heels (all day at a wedding) in my 30s, I ended up with a herniated disk in my back! ACK. Heels S*CK!

Karen

Thanks Karen!
Dar, I have heard that doctors tell people that; but it just doesn't make sense.

people who don't wear shoes DON'T get plantar Fasciitis, DON't get bunions.
if you want to see healthy feet, check out those guys in india that pull rickshaws running barefoot down the street. Look at the carving of David by Michelangelo. Notice that his toes all radiate directly out from his foot bed. His toes are not angled in or crooked. That's because the model didn't wear binding shoes!

People ran around for a long time before someone got the bright idea to put shoes on baby's feet. Does it make sense to make them wear shoes before they learn to walk? well, that is what is (was?) prescribed by doctors.
special walking shoes. My sons didn't wear shoes until after they were walking. and only when they had to go outside. Hmm, my younger son still doesn't wear shoes!! (well, he does in the winter)

PS; I wear NikeFREE shoes.