AIBU to not trust surgeon's advice?

[showslope]

I recently had bunion surgery. I am concerned about the bunion growing back, so I asked my surgeon if there is anything I can do to prevent this (I am aware some of it is genetic).

I suggested custom insoles, and he said they are pointless. My bank account was pleased with this statement, but I worry that he's being blazé and I do need to be taking really good care of my feet to prevent regrowth.

After some research, I'm left feeling even more confused as some people say orthotics are great, and others say they cause further issues with the foot, and the foot learns to rely on the insole for strength (so it becomes weaker).

Does anyone happy to have any advice on whether I should go for the custom insoles, or trust the low chances of regrowth?

Could you see a podiatrist? Or another relevant medical professional?

I am confused. You wont trust a surgeon, but you will trust randoms on MN.

Have had the surgery myself 10 years ago, and no problems since. I do massively prioritise comfort over style, though, since the surgery - rarely wear heals or pointy/tight shoes. I have never used insoles.

my husband has ankle problems, though, and insoles have made a massive difference. I think it will depend on what caused your problem to begin with.

😂

See a podiatrist.

Having used non-custom insoles for some years (which did seem to stop the bunion developing), I started getting a lot of pain in the joint everytime I walked. I saw a podiatrist, and now have custom insoles, and it's made a huge difference. He warned me that I might find certain leg muscles aching when I started wearing them, as they would be working harder. Not only that, but I suddenly found I could do a pilates exercise I'd never been able to do before. So the insoles are actually pushing my muscles into working better. That wasn't the case with the previous insoles, so possibly the difference in people's reports is more to do with the quality/design of the insoles.

FWIW our foot and ankle surgeons never recommend insoles but if they feel modified footwear is required they refer you to the orthopist and or podiatry. I’ve only seen that where there are other factors other than the presenting surgery, eg (but not all) Charcot patients.
By and large they tell everyone to try Hokas (or whatever comfortable supportive shoe they wear themselves)
I agree with @Divisio , even self refer to a podiatrist and see what they think if you feel you need further adjuncts.

Op what was the bunion surgery like?

i have one and I’d love to have it removed

@pinkbaglady the surgery itself was no big thing. It did take way longer to recover than my surgeon led me to believe. I can’t remember exact details as it was several years ago, but surgeon said I would be back walking in 4-6 weeks, which was technically correct but for no more than a block or so without pain; it was much longer before I was runner again. I also experienced numbness at site of surgery for over a year, which can be more uncomfortable than it sounds. That said, no regrets at all - 10 years later and no foot pain. Can’t believe I lived with it as long as I did.

@Labraradabrador thank you! I feel like I’ll need to enquire about it. My gran had them, my mum has them and me as well 🙄 they’re so painful as well