[Guest]

First of all, I am a 15 year old, athletic kid. My feet have hurt for a long time, and my father and my grandfather both have had foot problems in their life, and they do not want me to grow up in pain like they did. My father decided to take me to a podiatrist to see exactly what was going on.
I went to see the podiatrist about 7 months ago, when I was 14 at the time, and he told me that I have severe bunions on both the sides of my feet. They often hurt and the pain does not easily go away. The podiatrist said that surgery was a viable option. He said he would put a plate and screws into my foot. Is this the most common bunion surgery? He said that we would need to hold off surgery until my growth plates were done.
He also said that both my big toes don't hold any pressure that's put on the feet. That makes the rest of my feet hurt occasionally. Is that related to the bunions or is that different?
My last two questions are: If I do have that plate and screw surgery, how long does it usually take to heal, and will it affect athletics much at all?
Thank you very much.

[Guest]

Bunions that occur to teenagers should be fixed because they are the start of arthritis and it is much better to correct them before the arthritis starts to cause a lot of pain and joint destruction. Therefore, surgery is a definite option but you should wait until your growth plates have stopped growing before surgery. Screws and possible plates are good to use. The recovery wil be about 2-3 months but it is much better than living with bunions the rest of your life. Your athletics will have to be put on hold for about two months and then gradually resumed. Have a nice day and please write back if you have any further questions.
[quote] First of all, I am a 15 year old, athletic kid. My feet have hurt for a long time, and my father and my grandfather both have had foot problems in their life, and they do not want me to grow up in pain like they did... [/quote]

[Guest]

Hi:

PLEASE PLEASE go to an orthopedic surgeon at once.

Podistrists are NOT M.D.'s.

Also, at your young age, you will heal fast, but get AT LEAST 5 if not
10 opinons before you proceed with
surgery. It is very, very, serious.
No matter how much it costs. Wait a few years. Get all the advice from atheletes and dancers and everone in
your town that use their feet.

We ALL use our feet.

Foot surgery is very delicate and complex. DO NOT GO TO A PODIATRIST!

This is like letting an optometrist operate on you eye. Not enough training.


[quote] First of all, I am a 15 year old, athletic kid. My feet have hurt for a long time, and my father and my grandfather both have had foot problems in their life, and they do not want me to grow up in pain like they did... [/quote]

[Guest]

Well, we went and got two new opinions and both of them said the same thing. My parents and the podiatrist have decided to have surgery, that is set for the 21st.
The podiatrist described the procedures of which he will do. I would like anyone to write back with your opinions on my surgery.
I will list off the procedures that he will perform.
1. Lapidus (of the big toe)
2. Bunionectomy (big toe)
3. Taylor's Bunionectomy
4. Gastroc recession
5. Arthroplasty of the 2, 3, 4, and possibly 5 toes (relieve the hammertoes)
-and-
6. Possible MBA Implant

Please tell me what you think of these procedures.
Thank You.
[quote] Hi:

PLEASE PLEASE go to an orthopedic surgeon at once.

Podistrists are NOT M... [/quote]

[Guest]

Hi Adam,

I was wondering how your surgery went. I am scheduled to have Bunion Surgery at the end of this month (on both sides of my foot) and I am terrified. I have heard nothing but horror stories and was wondering if you could let me know how your surgery turned out and if you are glad that you had to procedure done and how long did you take to heal?

Thanks.
[quote] Well, we went and got two new opinions and both of them said the same thing. My parents and the podiatrist have decided to have surgery, that is set for the 21st... [/quote]