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Has Anyone Ever Had A Bunion?

I am going to go see my doctor about it.

I've had what I'm guessing is one for a few years on my left foot but it isn't very pronounced and it never bothered me so I didn't think anything of it. Well, now it hurts. It doesn't appear any different than it has over the past few years but I'm bummed about it because it hurts to walk in heels or flip flops and to do yoga just as of this week all of a sudden and well, clearly it's a problem.

I'm scared of what my doctor will say. I'm hoping it's not too late to correct it naturally.

Re: Has Anyone Ever Had A Bunion?

  • My dad had a really bad one that just kept getting worse and worse over the years. I'd say it protruded maybe 2 inches past the natural edge of his foot. When it got to the point that he couldn't wear mandatory steel toe work boots anymore and it was throwing his back and hip alignment off because he'd limp, he finally went to the doctor. He had it surgically removed about 4 months ago. 

    If you have to go that route its not so bad. They had him in a plaster cast for the first 2 weeks, a walking cast for a week or so after that and then just bandaged. He was on crutches until the walking cast came off. Back at work after 5 weeks. The pain was pretty manageable, even with my mom stretching his pills out. 
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  • Thanks, Jenny! 
    That is encouraging to hear since his sounds like it was a lot worse than mine. I am going to do something about it now before it gets to that point. Good to know that his recovery was pretty quick all things considered should I have to go that route.
  • Yeah the specialist told him he'd never seen one so bad in all his years of practice. But my father is the type who has a "wait and see" approach to his health. It sounds like you're catching yours early, so hopefully you have other options. Fingers crossed! 
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  • I... don't know. Probably, but I won't just admit that's what they are. My mom said they were when I was a kid and I was like 'nuh uh, they don't hurt, that's just what my feet look like, I don't have weird old lady feet, don't say that.' Totes mature, ya know. Still. :-p

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  • BlergbotBlergbot member
    First Anniversary First Comment 5 Love Its First Answer
    edited November 2014
    My dad is 67 and has had his bunion for many years. He has also seen pediatrists since I can remember. They just now have suggested surgical intervention, and he's a pretty active guy (avid golfer, runner and, at times, biker). I'm going out to Philly in a few weeks to help him through surgery, since he and his girlfriend just broke up and I'm uneasy about him hobbling around in ice and snow on his own. He's a college administrator, so he will be on winter break and doesn't plan on missing any work. We'll see. Anyway, if they did suggest something so extreme, which I doubt they would, being younger and in a warm climate would probably work in your favor.
  • kat1114kat1114 member
    First Answer First Comment 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited November 2014
    I had a bunionectomy last January. In 2011/2012, I was training for a half marathon. I bought running shoes that ended up being a bit too small, and I kept running in them rather than getting new ones. I noticed I had a lot of big toe pain on my left foot, but thought maybe it was just from training. When over a year had passed and I was still having pain, even when I wasn't working out, I went to the podiatrist.

    She said we could try to heel it naturally, but she wasn't too confident in the odds. I wanted to take care of the issue while I was still on my mom's health insurance because it had great coverage, so I opted for surgery.

    The surgery wasn't bad at all. I had more pain than I thought I would 1-2 days after surgery, but it wasn't unbearable. They immediately put me in a walking boot (no cast). I developed a bad blister on the bottom of my foot from the boot freakishly rubbing the wrong way, but other than that, the doctor said I healed remarkably fast. If it wasn't for the blister I probably would have been out of the boot in about 4-5 weeks.

    I can't say that I don't still have pain, but it is definitely less than pre-surgery.
  • I... don't know. Probably, but I won't just admit that's what they are. My mom said they were when I was a kid and I was like 'nuh uh, they don't hurt, that's just what my feet look like, I don't have weird old lady feet, don't say that.' Totes mature, ya know. Still. :-p
    Get out of denial, Lady, and come to my appointment with me. It will be way more fun for me. I will take you out for drinks after (or before. or both).
    Blergbot said:
    My dad is 67 and has had his bunion for many years. He has also seen pediatrists since I can remember. They just now have suggested surgical intervention, and he's a pretty active guy (avid golfer, runner and, at times, biker). I'm going out to Philly in a few weeks to help him through surgery, since he and his girlfriend just broke up and I'm uneasy about him hobbling around in ice and snow on his own. He's a college administrator, so he will be on winter break and doesn't plan on missing any work. We'll see. Anyway, if they did suggest something so extreme, which I doubt they would, being younger and in a warm climate would probably work in your favor.
    You are so sweet for going to help your dad! I am so impressed. 
    kat1114 said:
    I had a bunionectomy last January. In 2011/2012, I was training for a half marathon. I bought running shoes that ended up being a bit too small, and I kept running in them rather than getting new ones. I noticed I had a lot of big toe pain on my left foot, but thought maybe it was just from training. When over a year had passed and I was still having pain, even when I wasn't working out, I went to the podiatrist.

    She said we could try to heel it naturally, but she wasn't too confident in the odds. I wanted to take care of the issue while I was still on my mom's health insurance because it had great coverage, so I opted for surgery.

    The surgery wasn't bad at all. I had more pain than I thought I would 1-2 days after surgery, but it wasn't unbearable. They immediately put me in a walking boot (no cast). I developed a bad blister on the bottom of my foot from the boot freakishly rubbing the wrong way, but other than that, the doctor said I healed remarkably fast. If it wasn't for the blister I probably would have been out of the boot in about 4-5 weeks.

    I can't say that I don't still have pain, but it is definitely less than pre-surgery.
    So you were able to walk soon after? That's awesome! I've been reading a bunch of shit on the internet. Because, you know, self-diagnosing is smart, and I'm finding a bunch of stuff that says it can be corrected naturally by fixing the toe alignment. I don't think my toe looks unaligned. And I can easily spread my toes apart from each other. I need to put down the vodka and the mayoclinic.org and call my doctor.
  • lc07 said:
    I... don't know. Probably, but I won't just admit that's what they are. My mom said they were when I was a kid and I was like 'nuh uh, they don't hurt, that's just what my feet look like, I don't have weird old lady feet, don't say that.' Totes mature, ya know. Still. :-p
    Get out of denial, Lady, and come to my appointment with me. It will be way more fun for me. I will take you out for drinks after (or before. or both).
    Deal.

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  • kat1114 said:
    I had a bunionectomy last January. In 2011/2012, I was training for a half marathon. I bought running shoes that ended up being a bit too small, and I kept running in them rather than getting new ones. I noticed I had a lot of big toe pain on my left foot, but thought maybe it was just from training. When over a year had passed and I was still having pain, even when I wasn't working out, I went to the podiatrist.

    She said we could try to heel it naturally, but she wasn't too confident in the odds. I wanted to take care of the issue while I was still on my mom's health insurance because it had great coverage, so I opted for surgery.

    The surgery wasn't bad at all. I had more pain than I thought I would 1-2 days after surgery, but it wasn't unbearable. They immediately put me in a walking boot (no cast). I developed a bad blister on the bottom of my foot from the boot freakishly rubbing the wrong way, but other than that, the doctor said I healed remarkably fast. If it wasn't for the blister I probably would have been out of the boot in about 4-5 weeks.

    I can't say that I don't still have pain, but it is definitely less than pre-surgery.
    Annd I'm pretty sure I have some radial nerve problems due to yoga and surfing. Exercising is dangerous, and bad for your health, you guys. Fuck this fitness shit.

    I'm going back to sitting on my ass and knotting and drinking vodka.
  • lc07 said:
    I... don't know. Probably, but I won't just admit that's what they are. My mom said they were when I was a kid and I was like 'nuh uh, they don't hurt, that's just what my feet look like, I don't have weird old lady feet, don't say that.' Totes mature, ya know. Still. :-p
    Get out of denial, Lady, and come to my appointment with me. It will be way more fun for me. I will take you out for drinks after (or before. or both).
    Blergbot said:
    My dad is 67 and has had his bunion for many years. He has also seen pediatrists since I can remember. They just now have suggested surgical intervention, and he's a pretty active guy (avid golfer, runner and, at times, biker). I'm going out to Philly in a few weeks to help him through surgery, since he and his girlfriend just broke up and I'm uneasy about him hobbling around in ice and snow on his own. He's a college administrator, so he will be on winter break and doesn't plan on missing any work. We'll see. Anyway, if they did suggest something so extreme, which I doubt they would, being younger and in a warm climate would probably work in your favor.
    You are so sweet for going to help your dad! I am so impressed. 
    kat1114 said:
    I had a bunionectomy last January. In 2011/2012, I was training for a half marathon. I bought running shoes that ended up being a bit too small, and I kept running in them rather than getting new ones. I noticed I had a lot of big toe pain on my left foot, but thought maybe it was just from training. When over a year had passed and I was still having pain, even when I wasn't working out, I went to the podiatrist.

    She said we could try to heel it naturally, but she wasn't too confident in the odds. I wanted to take care of the issue while I was still on my mom's health insurance because it had great coverage, so I opted for surgery.

    The surgery wasn't bad at all. I had more pain than I thought I would 1-2 days after surgery, but it wasn't unbearable. They immediately put me in a walking boot (no cast). I developed a bad blister on the bottom of my foot from the boot freakishly rubbing the wrong way, but other than that, the doctor said I healed remarkably fast. If it wasn't for the blister I probably would have been out of the boot in about 4-5 weeks.

    I can't say that I don't still have pain, but it is definitely less than pre-surgery.
    So you were able to walk soon after? That's awesome! I've been reading a bunch of shit on the internet. Because, you know, self-diagnosing is smart, and I'm finding a bunch of stuff that says it can be corrected naturally by fixing the toe alignment. I don't think my toe looks unaligned. And I can easily spread my toes apart from each other. I need to put down the vodka and the mayoclinic.org and call my doctor.
    I had my surgery January 7th and was able to start putting pressure on my foot (with the aid of crutches) within a few days. On the 18th, I was able to go to a wedding and function with one crutch. By February, I was crutchless but still in the boot. I could walk okay, but just slowly. In March, I went bootless and to visit my mom in NY. I did tons of walking and felt fine. My doctor told me to start walking as soon as possible, so that's what I tried to do.

    That didn't stop me from accepting rides from the disability golf cart on campus for the duration of the semester. It was a 15-20 minute walk from the parking lot to class, and my doctor gave me a note for the whole semester. And I live in the desert and by March it's hot. Please don't judge my laziness. 
  • kat1114 said:
    I had my surgery January 7th and was able to start putting pressure on my foot (with the aid of crutches) within a few days. On the 18th, I was able to go to a wedding and function with one crutch. By February, I was crutchless but still in the boot. I could walk okay, but just slowly. In March, I went bootless and to visit my mom in NY. I did tons of walking and felt fine. My doctor told me to start walking as soon as possible, so that's what I tried to do.

    That didn't stop me from accepting rides from the disability golf cart on campus for the duration of the semester. It was a 15-20 minute walk from the parking lot to class, and my doctor gave me a note for the whole semester. And I live in the desert and by March it's hot. Please don't judge my laziness. 
    No judgement from me! Are you kidding? You ran a 1/2 marathon. (in too small shoes and with a bunion!) I am not worthy. 

    I think I'm particularly nervous because I'm self employed and a lot of the work I do involves me moving around and being on my feet. I do realize that I'm getting ahead of myself because I haven't even seen a doctor about it yet. 


  • I've had one since I was a very small child, and I'm thinking about surgery soonish. It's massive now and aches at the end of the day. I'm too young for this. ):
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  • It's interesting to see that people have had the surgery and that it wasn't that bad. I've looked into surgery but everything I read says 6 weeks to 6 months recovery time. Like who the hell has that much time to miss work?! I've also read that most insurance doesn't cover it and it can cost you like $5,000 per foot.... @kat1114 do you know if you had to pay much out of pocket?

    I was born with crooked feet- when most people place their feet side by side touching, their big toes generally are parallel like this II . When I put my feet together my big toes form a V and the tips of the big toes are about 3-4 inches apart. It's a hereditary thing because my grandma and my cousins have this too. But when I wear heels, it definitely makes it red and sore so I've been looking into the surgery but had ruled it out for the reasons above. Maybe I should go to an actual consultation instead of just the internet lol.

                                                                     

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  • My mom had to have them removed on both of her feet.  She said it was the best thing she ever did.  The recovery definitely took awhile (a few months) but she was up and moving around after about 2 weeks
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  • jenna8984 said:

    It's interesting to see that people have had the surgery and that it wasn't that bad. I've looked into surgery but everything I read says 6 weeks to 6 months recovery time. Like who the hell has that much time to miss work?! I've also read that most insurance doesn't cover it and it can cost you like $5,000 per foot.... @kat1114 do you know if you had to pay much out of pocket?

    I was born with crooked feet- when most people place their feet side by side touching, their big toes generally are parallel like this II . When I put my feet together my big toes form a V and the tips of the big toes are about 3-4 inches apart. It's a hereditary thing because my grandma and my cousins have this too. But when I wear heels, it definitely makes it red and sore so I've been looking into the surgery but had ruled it out for the reasons above. Maybe I should go to an actual consultation instead of just the internet lol.

    My insurance definitely covered almost all of the procedure. Obviously, it depends on your coverage, but between my doctor, the surgery center, and the anesthesiologist, I paid a few hundred bucks. I only missed 5 days of work. I honestly probably could have gone back after 3 days, but I was only working part time then, so PTO wasn't an issue, and my boss was happy to let me have the time off.

  • I had bunions on both feet. I had the first repaired when I was 17, the other when I was 23. I'm super jealous of anyone who said theirs didn't hurt - I had several days of really HORRIBLE pain. 

    That said, there are several different approaches to treating them. There are toe spacers to try to realign the toe, but I think they're a bunch of bullshit, honestly. Bunions are caused by abnormal changes to the joint of the big toe. For me, using the toe spacers hurt more than not using them. There are methods that just shave down the bump (which is not very painful - I had that procedure done on the baby bunion on my little toe, in conjunction with the big toe). Then there's the method they used for my big toes, which involved cutting the bone in half, realigning it and installing screws. THAT is the one that really hurts and requires considerable more recovery time and I lived on Vicodin for about a week. 

    With my first, I was allowed to start putting weight on it as I felt comfortable - for me it was about 5 days later, and I used crutches for probably 10 days total. For my second, I had to stay off it entirely for a week, then weight-bearing as tolerated. I got rid of the crutches within a few days. 

    Insurance covered mine in full - it wasn't a cosmetic procedure and I was unable to walk without pain. One thing to note is that they can form again. The one I had done when I was 17 has given me no trouble at all, 12 years later. But the one done most recently will need to be done again because it is already shifting.

    Hope this is helpful, but it really depends on your individual case which method is best for you and the recovery is different for each so definitely talk to a doctor!
  • My mom has bunions and has had them for as long as I can remember.  They are a bit painful and sometimes she has a hard time finding shoes because of them.
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