Hey Everyone!

I'm new here. I've been reading the posts for a week now, but I finally decided to post! I have bunions (the bunion on the right foot is much bigger than the one on the left). I have had these bunions FOREVER, and I never realized that something was actually wrong with my feet.. When I was growing up, I used to play roller-hockey and skate alot. My feet used to ALWAYS hurt constantly when I was playing because of the bunions and I just kind of got used to the pain. Well, for about 6 years now.. I have been wearing alot of flip flops (thong sandals) and other sandal like shoes. My feet rarely hurt unless I tight dressy shoes or even tennis shoes.

I really do hate the way my feet look. I hate the bump and how it deforms shoes when I'm in it and make it look like its bulging out. I have thought about getting bunionectomy for cosmetic reasons only. But, recently I started an internship at retail store and I walk around for the whole 8 hours (Something I have never done) and even though I wear supposedly comfy tennis shoes, my bunions really start to hurt. They get all red and disturbed when I get home to check on them.

The main thing is that in the future I do plan on working in a company where I do have to dress professional everyday (Heels, nice shoes). I have read that after you get the surgery that you should only wear comfy shoes and don't resort to wearing the same type of shoes that probably caused the bunions. But, I will have to in my future in the work-place and it is not really an option.

Therefore, my main question (Sorry about the LONG post) is Should I still get a bunionectomy if the odds are against me that they will return because of the type of shoes I have to wear?

Thanks!

Hi Michelle
I had bunions on both of my feet and had them removed and the lg toes straightened on June 12th. If yours are causing you pain, that pain is only going to get worse. I would recommend having the procedure. As far as future use of shoes, they make very fashionable shoes that don't have to be tight and constricting in the toe area. Dress shoes don't have to have big high heals and pointy toes. Do plan on being off your feet for at least 4-6 weeks, if not a bit longer when the procedure is done. Healing depends alot on the type of procedure a person has, it is a very individual process. Good Luck.

Hi Michelle, I agree with the previous post. I got my right foot done on June 11. Had a cast on for 6 weeks because it was a really bad one. My left foot will not be in a cast when I get it done because it's not as bad. About the dress shoes - you can find really dressy shoes that aren't "high heels". I wouldn't worry about that. I do have a friend who had bunions removed about 10 years ago and she lives in high heels (I don't know how she does it). I didn't even know that she'd had bunions removed til I told her about mine and she told me she'd had it done too- so everyone is different. Make sure you find a good podiatrist and even get a second or third opinion and have them explain everything. My feet have bothered me for years and now I'm wishing I didn't wait so long to get this done. I've wasted alot of years walking around on sore, ugly feet. I have to get my left foot done and can't wait to do it and get these feet into some normal shoes. Just be prepared to be off your feet for awhile and make sure you have some help at first. It just takes alot of patience but will be worth it in the end.

Hi Michelle,
I had a bunionectomy on my right foot 5 weeks ago. I'm 36 years old and had my left foot done when I was 23. You didn't mention your age but from my own experience, it was MUCH easier when I was younger. The recovery was quicker and I was much less symptomatic. Bunions get worse over time and I'm SO GLAD I had mine removed! I'm walking fine right now, still can't drive and am pretty stiff but doing well. I highly recommend this surgery if you have any pain from the bunions. When I was 23, I had moderate pain. At 36, it was SO much worse! I waited a long time in between because I got married then had two children and it was impossible to do. Now the kids are bigger and they helped me a lot! I scheduled the surgery for June 25 and am hanging around at home with them for the summer. I have had not one single problem with the left foot which I had done 13 years ago and I've worn high heels, low heels, flats...you name it with NO PROBLEM AT ALL. Not everyone has to wear comfortable shoes after bunionectomies. Remember, this surgery can be pretty intense. You need to be prepared for pain, swelling and possibly slow healing. Feet heal slowly. You need to plan on being off of them for awhile. My doctor took me out of work 2 months minimum. Good luck to you!