Question
My Right Foot
I am 17 years old, and both my big toes have, for my entire life, veered away from the metatarsal bone at maybe a 40 degree angle (I am a bad estimator). My other toes have also been affected in this way, but not nearly as dramatically as my big toes. Until about six months ago, my abnormal foot and toe shape has never bothered me although I have wondered if the issue needed to be addressed because I had heard about bunions. In the past few months, however, the big toe on my right foot has been giving me pain when I walk and jog; and the vulnerable appearance of my metatarsal bone on that foot has become especially apparent. When I saw my general practitioner about another health issue recently, I mentioned my foot; and he told me that I do not actually have bunions yet but recommends that I see a podiatrist at some point simply to see if I should be doing anything else to prevent bunions for as long as I can. He recognizes that I will most likely need surgery for bunions somewhere down the road but says that the longer I wait, the better because feet take a long time to heal; and my feet have especially poor circulation anyway. I apologize for overwhelming you with all this information, but I have questions for you as follows: Do you recommend I see a podiatrist sooner rather than later? Is there anything I can do to relieve the pain right now? Should I stay away from jogging? (I have been biking on a stationary bike since the schoolyear began.) Any other advice you can give me based on the information I have provided would be much appreciated. I have attached a photo of my right foot, the one about which I especially have concern. Thank you very much for your time.
AnswerHi Teresa,
I would see a podiatrist. This is the start of a bunion. I would consider orthotic devices to stabilize your foot. Wear supportive shoes and I see no reason why you can't jog or do other activities.
Sincerely,
Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://katzpodiatristtampa.blogspot.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TampaPodiatrist
http://www.facebook.com/markatz?ref=name#/profile.php?id=100000260088035&ref=nam...
DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem. It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice. Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site. The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site. The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.
