Considering Surgery on Bunions and Neuromas - Foot Problems Message Board

phoebe555 · 12-30-2007, 09:22 PM

Hi. I'm new to this place and have spent a while reading the threads. I am gathering information about foot surgery and would love some input from those of you who have BTDT. I realize that people heal differently and the quality of healthcare isn't the same across the board. That being said, here is my situation and what I am looking for feedback on:

I was referred by my GP 8 months ago to a podiatrist for bunion pain in both feet. I am active, although not at much as I would like. At the first visit, the pod said I had neuromas in both feet in addition to bunions. My left foot appears worse and has a cyst on it, but my right foot has more pain in the big toe, bunion area and in the neuroma. I left with orthotics and cortizone shots. I was happy for three months. Since then, the symptoms have worsened especially in the neuroma in my right foot. Various other treatments haven't helped. The pod suggests surgery to remove it and might as well throw in the bunion removal while we are at it because I will have to have surgery at some point and having some cartilage left in my later years would be helpful.

I was a little taken aback by his approach because most doctors in my lifetime have been very conservative about surgery. This pod is well known in our town's running community and treats many athletes. He is an experienced practitioner. I know you can't make my decision for me, but I feel uncomfortable after reading these posts and without doing research going ahead with any surgery. I also have three kids under the age of 6 with no family nearby to help out with my recovery. I trust my pod, but should I seek out a second opinion with a foot and ankle surgeon. The bunion pain is mostly arthritic feeling but it is daily and worse when I exercise. The neuroma is such that I cannot walk in bare feet without feeling like a stake is driving through the middle of my foot and my toes are almost always numb. I am a stay-at-home mom so luckily I can wear comfortable shoes.

Is it better to have the bunions removal at the same time as the neuroma taken out or separately? I only know one person who has had this type of surgery and it was successful. I am looking for some more opinions!

Thanks.

Titchou · 12-31-2007, 05:36 AM

I'm sorry you are having these issues. It can be frustrating!

As for injections for the neuroma, cortizone ones will not kill it. Alcohol injections can be successful for some. Typically though, removal is the usual "final cure."
I had one removed several years ago and it was very successful.

As for doing the bunion and the neuroma at the same time, I would do it and get it over with. I had hallux limitus in the big toe on the same foot as the neuroma. Sadly, I didn't think it hurt as bad as the neuroma so didn't it done at the same time. A year later I was back...getting the big toe done (similar surgery to a bunion but not quite the same). Wish I'd done them both at one time and been done with it!

At any rate, the foot is great now....wear heels, jog, dance, whatever without any problems. Hope things work out for you!

KathJack · 12-31-2007, 08:37 AM

I would have surgery on both areas of both feet at once IF support could be arranged. Do you have an old friend who may be currently unemployed, a retired aunt, or anyone like that who could come and stay with you for a week or two? (Preferably two.) How about having the surgery done during the summer and hiring a teenager or college student to stay with you and help out during your recovery? Can your husband get family leave or vacation time? You would definitely not be able to care for your three young children on your own for a while. You would probably be independent sooner if you have one foot done at a time, but you'd still need some help and you'd have to arrange assistance again down the road when it was time to do the other foot. Also, you might be tempted or needed to be on your feet too much-- Rest and elevation really does matter for recovery, whether it's one foot or two. Best wishes!