Bunions

[cailic]

I have suffered with bunions my whole life. Originally they only stopped me from playing a lot of sport but I could still walk and run long distances. Over the years my bunions became more and more painful. My big toe points toward my 2nd toe on close to a 45 degree angle and I can barely bend my big toes now.

My feet are so full of pain these days that small bumps against the side of the bone growth cause a great deal of pain and instant swelling. The problem is such that I only walk with my weight on the outer sides of my feet trying not to put any pressure on my big toes at all. And this is causing problems also, my ankles are twisting very easily, I am injuring my toes a lot more often, I am suffering from very painful hips joints and knee joints and have done for about 7 yrs now. I have occasionally mentioned these things to my Dr but nobody seems to explain anything to me.

I think I may have arthritis in my feet as they feel hot and ache constantly, and as my unnatural walking angles have changed my posture and the way my hips and knees should naturally move I often wake in a lot of pain with them. A hot burning pain and such an ache that tears fill my eyes. They only way to soothe it is to rub them and take pain killers before I even think of getting out of bed.

I have just injured my big toes again by trying to run and possibly forced the joint to move further than it can, and in the process sprained an ankle, so I have an appointment with my doctor. So now I am wondering what exactly do I need to say to get him to listen to me and help me to do something to improve the quality of my life, as I am only 25 and need to be able to run and play with my kids like other parents do.

[cailic]

I also forgot to mention that I also get shooting pains along the sides of my feet and the same pains across the swollen joints, often severe enough to make me cry out, and I have quite a high thresh-hold of pain. I also never wear poorly fitting shoes or high heels, so I never put too much pressure on my feet.

[ljogg]

Hello
I am on 5th post op day an so very glad I had surgery.

I am a runner and put this off for ten years. All this time I was afriad......but thanks to all the new techniques and good friends for support, I did it and am doing so well. My surgeon is young and up to date on all procedures and I will be running again in a few months......................

So find yourself a good young surgeon and ask questions, talk to those who have had the surgery and you will be fine......and so happy.

I can even put my weight on my heel now. Don't wait until you are in your 50's.like me.

Good luck. Louise

[alwaysunderfoot]

cailic, sorry that you have so much pain! Alot of us here can sympathize! If your dr. won't send you to an orthopaedic dr or podiatrist, find a dr. that will. Don't suffer with this for any longer than necessary. I put it off for many years and am still having foot problems that I don't think I'd have if I had took care of the bunion before it shifted everything out of place. I know exactly how it is to not be able to play with your kids (1 kid for me) because your feet hurt. I am 41 now and I've had bunion trouble since I was in high school. I had the bunionectomy and osteotomy 9/06 and a Morton's neuroma removed 12/07 and right now still having pain. Now I'm afraid that it is a tailors bunion thats causing more pain. So, try to take care of it now if possible.
Also, I agree with Louise that you should find a dr. that knows his "feet".
Best of luck,
Debbie

[carolsoska]

I had the same problems with my feet and let them go too long . My surgery would have been easier if I had done it much sooner. I felt the operation was easy but I have no arch in my left foot because I waited too long.