Bunions are no fun. I know because I used to have 2 of them….one on each big toe. I recently had bunion surgery on my left foot so now I have one that I am trying to keep from getting bigger.
I labored over the decision to have surgery for several for months before I went under the knife. Here are the warning signs that it might be time for surgery.
#1 You are Using Several Foot Products Just To Make it Through the Day
In an effort to ease the pain in my foot caused by my bunion I was using toe spacers, gel pads, orthonics, and all kinds of toe stretchers and products designed to help with bunions. I was wearing only wide shoes and was massaging my feet each night.
While these products seemed to help a bit by the end of each day my feet were in so much pain it was killing me just to walk to my car after work. No matter what I did I was not getting any long term relief.
#2 Resting Your Foot Does Not Help
In an effor to avoid surgery I went to my podiatrist who recommended that I wear a post op shoe for six weeks and he gave me a cortisone shot in the bunion which helped with swelling. When I went back for my 6 week appointment it was clear that I was still in pain and that this had just been a short term fix that wore off quickly.
#3You’ve Gotten An Opinion From a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon
I would highly recommend getting at least 2 opinions from different doctors if you are considering bunion surgery. I got opinions from a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon. They both recommend surgery but recommended different surgeries.
Ultimately I decided to go with the orthopedic surgeon since I was more comfortable with their approach and my chances with not having a recurrence down the road.
#4 Walking is Painful
I knew I was in trouble when I was getting shooting pains in my foot just from walking. This was the most telling signs that I needed surgery and that nothing I was doing was making any meaningful improvements in my foot health.
#5 Your Foot Hurts Even When You Are Not Moving
After a long day at work (where I sit at a desk most of the day) my foot would ache late into the night. I decided that I did not want to keep living with this pain so I decided to have the surgery.
Thanks for the info. I’m afraid that bunion surgery is also in my future.
It was good how you said that bunion surgery is necessary of despite taking medication and rest, the pain in my feet is still evident and severe. I have been suffering from the bunion in my left toe for a few months now. However, I noticed that it has gotten worse recently, and I even had to quit my job because I can’t function properly anymore. I think it’s about time I underwent surgery. Thanks for the article. It really helped.
Good luck! Once you feel like you have exhausted all other options and have researched your surgical procedure and feel comfortable with it and your outlook you should move forward and get on the path to recovery.
I am in stage four kidney failure, and am very wary of taking any medication that has to filter through my kidneys .
That being said, I have a bunion on my right foot that has suddenly become unbearable. I can’t walk with my shoes on. I have one on the left foot as well that isn’t quite as bad.
Should I ask about having the right foot taken care of with surgery? I am not on dialysis yet so I feel like it may be now or never.