Question
Hi Dr. Katz,
I抦 38 and have had bunions since my 20抯. Though I think I owe some of them to physiology (I have flat feet) and heredity (my mom has them, too), I certainly helped to worsen them by wearing tight shoes all my adult life. The bunion on my left foot is small and hasn抰 caused me any problems, but the one on my right is quite large (sticks out at least 綌) and has recently started to become painful on occasion. So, I抦 wearing roomier shoes and stretching the ones that I already have to accommodate it. I also just started wearing toe separators. The combination of the two has helped eliminate the pain for now.

My questions are, are these self-treatment methods usually effective over the long term, or should I be doing something else? Will they help to improve the condition, or can I expect that it will just end up getting worse and I will eventually have to have the bunion(s) removed? I抳e done a little reading on the topic and it sounds like surgery is an absolute last-resort option. I walk for exercise and am otherwise pretty active, so the thought of months of foot surgery recovery is really depressing! Thanks in advance for your answer.


Answer
Hi Julie,

Some of the steps you are taking will relieve bunion pain.  Since you have flat feet, I would consider custom orthotic devices.  These can slow the progression of the bunion and may provide a more long term solution.

Everyone is different as far as progression of the bunion size and pain.  Time will tell.  Continue to wear wide shoes and protect the area.

I agree, surgery is a last resort.  And the recovery is not quick even though you may see some Dr's that will tell you otherwise.

If the pain starts ruining your daily activities then you may need the surgery.  In the meantime I would see a Podiatrist for the orthotics.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

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.