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Original poster

Show me a pic of your bunions…

71 replies

User129867588 · 08/02/2023 19:49

Weird request, I know!! I have been diagnosed with a moderate bunion on my right foot ( that was the only one xrayed but I think I have it on both feet) Last week I was referred to a podiatrist on nhs so assuming will take ages to see one . My right toe is causing me issues and discomfort but not excruciating.

I’m just curious what others have experienced with their bunions and how it looked for you. Did you have surgery? I actually have bupa through work so if this referral takes ages I will ask for a private one. I’m 43 and never wore heels and always wear good quality shoes. I’m all for comfort and mainly walk in Salomon hikers. I am active and love walking so this is a bummer

OP posts:

Thread gallery

SwedishEdith · 26/02/2023 19:11

Travelban · 26/02/2023 19:06

I have very small feet and funding shies that fit is a struggle anyway, I have always worn wide feet shoes. In recent years though more and more shoes hurt the.bunion and so I was limited to one or two pairs.

I saw two surgeons. Both said ah that doesn't look too bad but when they Looe at the xray they could.see how close the bunion was to the.nerve.

Finally, I was curling my big toe when walling a lot as balance was starting to feel off. I do thunk my problem exacerbated by having very small feet.

Thank you. Mine has only become noticeable in the last few years and looks similar so wondering if better to get the ball rolling about fixing it or leaving it. But not yet causing issues like yours so glad your foot is better now.

Travelban · 26/02/2023 19:32

Thank you.Jury is still out but hopefully I won't regret it. My mum's are quite bad and as they tend to be genetic I thought I would bite the bullet too. Maybe leave it a year or two and see if they get worse... I will keep updating now and then with my experience.

Bamboozles · 26/02/2023 20:36

WellTidy
Thank you for the recommendation

Original poster

User129867588 · 19/04/2023 13:11

Update: I’ve had my appointment with the podiatric surgeon through NHS referral and she recommended insoles first and surgery as last resort due to the recovery time. I’m going to see how I get on with the insoles first (awaiting my appointment for this) and if this doesn’t help with the pain I will try bupa to see if they offer keyhole in my area and if I would be eligible. I have bupa cover through work.

OP posts:

Original poster

User129867588 · 19/04/2023 13:12

I am now looking for some new shoes as she also said I have flat feet.

question for those who have had custom insoles- what are they like? Do they fit into most shoes?

OP posts:

Bamboozles · 13/06/2023 19:28

Aww I've found some sandals that are comfy!
Admittedly Hotter 😞

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 30/06/2023 14:43

Eyesopenwideawake · 09/02/2023 19:23

Before and (about) 6 months post op. I was walking within 3 weeks but by christ, the first week was painful. Worth it though.

Wow - amazing difference!

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 30/06/2023 14:44

User129867588 · 19/04/2023 13:11

How did you get on with the insoles?

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 30/06/2023 14:46

Never before posted pictures of my feet online - but here goes

soberfabulous · 30/06/2023 21:37

I love this thread. I would love to get my bunions done. I have private healthcare which would cover it.

In terms of recovery time, I see a lot about being able to stand and walk after a certain period: when can you exercise afterwards?

I'm a runner/like to workout, play tennis...I'm not sure if I can cope with being out of action when it comes to exercise for months...this is the main thing putting me off.

bonfirebash · 30/06/2023 22:47

I'm not sure if I have one starting on my right foot?

Zephirine · 01/07/2023 00:30

I’ve been to see a surgeon about my tailor’s bunion. She offered me surgery but is concerned about healing as I have RA. I’ve been referred to a podiatrist as I have a corn on my bunion where it is rubbing and have spent a small fortune on various summer shoes. The only ones I can wear for any length of time are Birkenstocks and I trip in them sometimes. I’m going to try and manage it with decent footwear and the podiatrist but can refer myself back for surgery any time.

orangedress · 01/07/2023 08:50

Did my right foot bunion in January with Dr Sam Singh in London through BUPA, check his website. Was home mid afternoon after full anaesthesia. Wore a partial foot boot for 4 weeks then moved to trainers with no insole. Can't recall exactly when i went back to normal but in early May we went away and walked a lot for three days and didn't even notice my foot. Hugely recommend

neveradullmoment99 · 01/07/2023 09:09

I have bunions. I don't get any pain from them. Not really worn bad shoes. I think mine are hereditary too.
As I've got older, I've become more self conscious of them. One of my children asked me what they were on my feet. That didn't help!

user3199 · 01/07/2023 09:22

I've had bunions on both feet since childhood - have a vague memory of having x-rays of my feet taken when I was around 8. They didn't cause me any pain at all until my mid 30s. They've gradually got worse and I get intermittent pain that can be severe, excruciating at times - but then followed by weeks of no pain. I can't do any impact exercise and walking can be uncomfortable at times. I have ridiculously wide feet anyway so shoe shopping a nightmare! (Hereditary here too - my gran had terrible feet that caused her a lot of pain, and my mum has very bad bunions.)

Travelban · 01/07/2023 20:57

Update... had my bunion done in Feb and my foot is fully back to normal now infatti the bunion. Even wore heels all night for a friends birthday party...

soberfabulous · 02/07/2023 17:40

Travelban · 01/07/2023 20:57

Update... had my bunion done in Feb and my foot is fully back to normal now infatti the bunion. Even wore heels all night for a friends birthday party...

Amazing! Can you/do you exercise? Would you be able to run...play tennis?

LadyGardenersQuestionTime · 02/07/2023 17:59

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Travelban · 02/07/2023 18:40

soberfabulous · 02/07/2023 17:40

Amazing! Can you/do you exercise? Would you be able to run...play tennis?

Show quote history

I have been walking 5 miles nearly every day for the last 2 months, sometimes I run it no problem. My foot is back to normal, no swelling or pain and I can bend it etc... I can do everything I did before, including exercise.

soberfabulous · 03/07/2023 05:30

travelban wow that's amazing - so basically 8 weeks downtime and then you were back to normal activity and exercise? fantastic. the downtime is what is really putting me off.

Travelban · 03/07/2023 14:04

Yes it was very gradual, from 8 weeks I was able to walk fairly well, 9 weeks better, 12 weeks I would say is when I started being able to do more and more and I would say 15 weeks back to normal. I don't want to make it sound like it was a breeze, it will take 3 months at least to go back to normal but every week from 8 weeks I could do a bit more. It wasn't sudden.

It will feel like a long slog...it did for me!!!

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