*whispers* bunion types this way...

[sleepdodger]

I am having an uncomfortable time at the join between my foot and big toe on left foot and didn't think toouch about it till dh helpfully said urgh you've got a bunion... I didn't know what he meant so I googled it. DON'T do it
Anyway I look like a text book case of high heels applying pressure to joint so

• what can I wear which is a decent heel which won't aggravate the problem,?
• are there any non surgical ways to improve situation- I will visit dr but know you'll know vain solutions already

I am size 36/6 foot a short arse and work in industry where dress inc heels in v much par course
Thanks for help!

[anonymosity]

you can strap it - to the next 2 or 3 toes with medical tape. And if you are going to keep wearing the shoes which make the situation worse, if you pamper your feet a bit to alleviate the discomfort - can you go for a pedicure / foot massage once in a while? Soak your feet in a tub / put them up? Small things make help.

I have one on my right big toe - it doesn't give me much bother, but I rarely wear heels.

[anonymosity]

"may help" not "make help" sorry.

[sleepdodger]

Should add am only 30, generally healthy stressed and sleep deprived slim build and foot joint sore after wearing sensible shoes for a week

[anonymosity]

I got mine from walking too much - 8-10 hours a week - I realized I was practically using my foot like some kind of walking flipper inside walking boots / trainers. That's what did it -

[Earlybird]

Does anyone in your family have a similar issue with their feet? Often the condition is hereditary, and is then aggravated by fashion/lifestyle.

[sleepdodger]

Thanks all will do
I've been googling again and defo need to see a dr as dr google sleepdodger can't decide if there is also a touch of gout. Lovely!
Thanks... Heads off to drs!!

[Cybbo]

I only have one on my left foot

A oneion

[hermioneweasley]

You can strap your toe and wear a corrective device, but your DR or podiatrist will tell you that heels are now for special occasions only. I assume the men in your industry don't wear heels (unless you are in a drag act) so it should be possible to do your job in flats.

[CointreauVersial]

I have bunions, worse on the right foot (I'm 46).

My mum has had hers operated on, and is always nagging me to get to a podiatrist, but I've ignored her so far because I don't want to wear ugly shoes, vain cow that I am

I should get them looked at really, shouldn't I?

[sleepdodger]

Hermionie is not that I can't wear flats, more that I work in a 'glam' industry and at close to 5ft I need heels to both be seen and look the part lol!!
Hey Ho health first!

[MrsShrek3]

hmm. had mine since the age of 4 and have never worn heels except for Extremely Posh Occasions. mine are inherited obv (thanks mother) my mum had hers operated on by the time she was my age but the joint was fixed then and although big red scary bunion thing gone, no movement in the big toe.

[MrsJohnDeere]

I have them on both feet and have never worn heels. Now I couldn't if I wanted to because the only things that fit are very, very ugly extra wide Hotter shoes.

Mine came as a result of pregnancy. I'm small but was huge with both babies and the weight was too much for my feet. My GP wasn't remotely interested. My health care trust will only refer if you are over 65 or have diabetes, but I know it varies from one place to another.

[MrsShrek3]

anyone willing to contribute some shoe links? mine all killing me atm. need new comfy (not granny frumpy Hotter style) footwear.

[UtterflyButterfly]

You can get a sort of foam wedge to put between your big toe and the next one, which helps realign the bones and takes the pressure off the bunion. Scholl or Boots I think. simple but effective.

[morethanalltheteainchina]

I had mine operated on at the tender age of 24 (I think, or maybe 25...) It wasn't very pleasant - I had to wear strange foam velcro strap sandals for 8 weeks, was on crutches for around 10 etc... but now I am a) pain free b) can wear all the gorgeous strappy sandals etc that I have never been able to wear before. Whatever you decide to do, do go and see your doctor. They will be able to tell you all your options and help you make the right decision.

[HappyAsEyeAm]

I started a bunion thread a few months ago, and I got a load of info. I can't find it at the moment, but you should if you search under my name.

Mine are hereditary, as I have always worn well fitting, sensible-ish shoes. Now, I keep my very low heels at work, and change when I get there out of my ecco lace ups. They are not glamorous. But I have found that this minimises the pain and the bunions haven't got any worse since I started doing this. I have loads of very nice shoes at home, but I am limited to a handful of sensible pairs, and shoe shopping is an absolute nightmare. M&S wide footglove with insolia is as 'on trend' as I get.

Definitely get a referral to a podiatrist. I keep meaning to do this, and must actually do it rather than just think about doing it.

[higgle]

Me too. Mine don't often hurt and I can wear heels when I want/need to. I buy M&S Insolia and Duo wide fitting ( the best). I won't go down the surgery route unless I get stiff joint or pain.