Bunions

[Reflections2021]

Tell me about your bunions. Have always had them on both feet, (always thought that was a normal foot shape till I realised what they were! ) and seriously considering getting them done via minimally invasive surgery. If you’ve had it done, tell me your stories good and bad. Any pro’s and cons beyond the obvious. Anything random, such as did it affect your shoe size, gait, will I be more prone to arthritis when I get older because of the surgery, is it better to get them done when it’s a more straight forward of an op or better to wait when they are really bad but a more complicated surgery etc. - anything you care to share so I’m all clued up on all things bunion related beyond what a consultant will tell me.

GP has told me before I have hallux rigidus if that makes any difference.

Thank you!

Do they hurt? I have worse ones but they aren’t sore. Just very ugly! I’m not having mine done as you have to keep your weight off your feet for quite some time and also there is the risk they can grow back, I think.

If they are not painful I wouldn’t have them done yet. I only had one and didn’t have it done until it was painful, starting to cross my second toe and beginning to get arthritis.

I had been advised by a podiatrist years ago not to get it done unless there was no choice, I had a traditional procedure on the NHS so can’t compare with the minimally invasive procedure. I was in a built up shoe for 8 weeks and on crutches for part of that time, and it was painful. I had the operation at the end of June and still get swelling on the top of my foot, and can only wear Crocs or Velcro strapped shoes that don’t press on the top of my foot. The first two weeks you are only supposed to get up to use the bathroom.

If wearing different shoes is a factor then it will be a long time before that will be comfortable or possible I think. I have other problems so have worn Skechers etc for many years so just would like to get those on again.

I am glad I had it done, as the pain was only going to get worse, and now it is improving, but it is certainly not a small procedure or to be taken lightly.

@DownWhichOfLate they do hurt but not consistently. A few weeks ago, I knocked one foot against the other in bed and it really hurt, and knocked it against the side of my trainers and that hurt too. Although must admit it’s settled again so not hurting much at the moment. Its discomfort as opposed to painful when I do lots of walking or play sports. I’ve always been put off by the idea due to being off your feet post surgery, but more open to the idea.

I’ve tried orthotics before and was advised to do everything to avoid needing to go down the surgical route, and to see that as the last option. However, keep seeing some positive stories relating to the key hole surgery version so that is what is making me think more about it.

I think you would struggle to get it done on the NHS at the moment and if done privately it would probably cost in the £000’s. It’s meant to be a really difficult operation in terms of recovery. I’ve got them and although they annoy me in the summer time when my feet swell and I can’t always wear the shoes I want to I’ve learned to live with them. My mum told me that my uncle got his done years ago but they came back after a while.

I was quoted £5,000 if I had gone privately for one bunion, again a traditional open procedure, I don’t know the cost for the minimally invasive procedure.

@Celestiasprincess thanks for the reply. Not so concerned about the cost as I’ve got private medical insurance that will cover the cost. That aside, if they were to return I’d probably wish I hadn’t bothered in the first place. I have been trying to live with them, it’s definitely genetic - my whole immediate family have the same shape foot. Maybe I need to find another podiatrist and try different orthotics. My first ones were amazing and resolved the pain and tenderness overnight. When I needed new ones, I’ve not found them as good and have since tried ones off the shelf which weren’t great either.

I have 'genetic' bunions too. Our whole family have them including the males. The only one of us who has had surgery was my sister and to be honest it wasn't a great success. Although her big toes are now straight, they are shorter than her second toes and her feet don't really look much better. Ironically she has since developed plantar fasciitis and is suffering real pain with that.

My son is however considering surgery on one foot as he does get pain with it, especially if he knocks it playing football. He wears a toe brace thing all the time and I know it bothers him.

I'm lucky as i've never had any pain with mine and I don't really notice them.

I had them on both feet and had an operation a few years ago (first and only time I posted here asking for advice). Had one done and then the other about 10 months later. It wasnt nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I am so glad I had it done. I am nearly 50 and had them ever since I can remember.

@tomakethemove thanks for your reply. Where they severe or moderate before you took the plunge to get them done, and are you totally pain free now?

They weren't particularly painful (before the op) but they affected my confidence and after seeing the doctor I was referred. I was told that I would almost certainly end up with problems if I didnt get them done. I will try and attach a pic.

Forgot to add no pain now whatsoever.

Foot and Ankle Surgeon,

If they are not causing daily pain that stops you from doing day to day activities, don't even consider having them operated on.

15% of people having corrective procedures from bunions have significant degree of pain afterward. If you have no pain beforehand, that's almost a 1:5 chance of being left permanently worse off functionally than you were to begin with.

If you have significant pain, don't consider surgery until you've everything short of an operation - modified wide fitting footwear, orthotics, splints and cushioning for at least 3-6 months without any success.

If you have hallux rigidus and a hallux valgus deformity, you probably need a fusion operation..... but definitely need to see a foot and ankle surgeon for some personalised expert advice.

I had mine done five years ago with the keyhole technique. The first month was difficult as you are mostly resting and gradually getting on your feet again. I didn’t need the painkillers 24 hours after the surgery. It took about three months to heal properly and I needed a few physio sessions to correct my walking as I’d forgotten how to do it properly.
As background my bunions weren’t terrible but my feet hurt constantly and had done since I was in my early teens. I’ve never worn heels as too painful.
I was going to go private, about £12,000, and researched surgeons and decided on a pair who had developed the keyhole technique and also taught it. They work in London and near Brighton, can’t remember their names but one of them is French, does private and the NHS. I asked my gp for a referral and he did the surgery.
Five years on I have had no complications and crucially no foot pain, even after a long day on my feet, they’re tired but not painful. I still can’t wear heels as instant pain, but I don’t want to anyway.
When I was researching I was looking for private as they have reviews, and a profile that shows where they trained and worked, nhs don’t so you don’t know what you’re getting. Lots of the private ones work for the nhs as well so it’s a win win. I still paid for the three private consultations before I made my choice though. I’m very glad I’ve had it done.

@tomakethemove that looks quite extreme. I can see why they'd say you'd get issues. I've jumped on this thread as I have mild bunions but painful

I had both feet done this year (bunions were genetic but also not helped by tight shoes in my youth!). Had them done 4 months apart using conventional method and so far so good. Pain has been minimal but the recovery is hard going - 15 minutes on your feet in every hour for first two weeks then 30 minutes for next 1-2 weeks depending on recovery progress. You may need to rope in some help around the house and you won't be able to drive for at least 3 weeks.
Also this wasn't on the NHS my bunions were classed as moderate but there would have been no way I would have got them done on the NHS they have to be quite a lot worse I think for that.
Cost was in the region of £4-5k per foot.
Mine looked bad but were starting to cause significant pain too. The surgeon said he found arthritis in both and that it wa better they were done now than leave them.

Hope that helps