Question
I had bunion surgery on both feet about five years ago.  On my right foot, it seemed like it never really healed right. There has been joint pain and swelling ever since and the pain feels like a burning sensation.  Recently I reinjured the joint on my right foot and it felt like something popped. Could this be serious? I am currently trying to treat the injury at home because I do not have any insurance. If you have any advice this would be extremely helpful.

Answer
Hi Laura,

Since bunion surgery involves going into the joint, some people can develop painful joints as a result.  Burning sensation is often due to injury of the foot nerves from surgery or rubbing of a shoe.  If you felt a pop, it may be a sprain or tearing of ligaments or tendons.  However, it is possible that you could have broken or chipped some bone.  

If the area continues to be bothersome, I would see a podiatrist and have an x-ray.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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