Bunions - operate or not?

[HowLongToXmas]

I've had bunions since I was a teenager. They only hurt if I'm wearing tight shoes. I like wearing heels and still do (although with lockdown I have done so less than usual).

A heard a few people say that bunions should be operated on as they should be removed/corrected.

I would like to hear from people who have and who have not had the operation. What influenced your decision? And are you happy with it?

I have bunions and cannot get them operated on with the NHS. I saw a podiatrist who gave me wedges to put inside my shoes and told me that the NHS will not operate on them unless you literally cannot walk.
Might be different in different areas so might be worth seeing your GP

Ohhh, can you spare the recovery time, are you in pain and what will your feet look like after?

I too have bunions, my right foot is worse than my left. They’re only painful when I wear heels, and it’s cold, the rest of the time fine. Since Covid, I have only worn my ASICS gym trainers and they’re getting much better.

Well feet are likely to look better, I think there would only be a scar on the side. But yes, the recovery time is very long. I'm not really in pain but I was wondering whether something is going to happen further down the line that makes an operation the right option.

If they look better, you won’t be in pain and you can spare the recovery time it’s probably worth it.

I suspect I could get it done on my health insurance but haven’t. Someone I worked with had it done and she put on a lot of weight during the 12-15 week recovery process because she couldn’t exercise that it really put me off. I am not naturally small and do a lot of cardio and walking to stay a size 10. I would be concerned that after the recovery I would have months of training to do to then get back to me.

I am waiting for a referral but I think it will be a long time, my toes are crossing over each other and I struggle to walk even in trainers some days.

Contemplating whether to scrape the money together to have the keyhole operation privately as the recovery is faster, but with things being as they are, the wait might still be long ☹️

Have always worn sensible shoes so not due to that.