Bunions

[Barmaid]

Ouch!!! For the last 2 years or so, I've really suffered with a bunion on my right foot. Probably years of wearing stupidly ridiculous (but very lovely) shoes. Just bought one of those splints. No idea if they work.

Anyone else suffer? What's been your solution?

[Islay]

Sorry never had them but can't you get a bunion splint to straighten out your toe or am I thinking of the wrong thing?

[Barmaid]

Yeah, that's what I've just bought. No idea if they work. It only came 15 mins ago. Had to do something, it got so big I couldnt get a favourite pair of shoes on And jeez it could HURT.

[GenuineclAss]

Have you tried the gel toe separators with the little flap that covers the bunion? They are designed to try and straighten the toe as well as cushioning the bunion.

I bought mine on ebay, really quite cheaply and they are, I'm sure, just as good as paying a fortune for Scholl.

They took a bit of getting used to - a little uncomfortable at first and I found it easier to wear them whilst sleeping at first. You need thinner socks at first, too or those little 'footsie' "socks", like tights just for your feet till you get used to them.

[woofgang]

Not a sufferer but I know a bit from my job. No the splints don't work to heal or reverse the bunion but may offer pain relief. Padding to protect the joint and skin can ease discomfort, anti inflammatories can help in flare up and general analgesia for chronic pain...... and better shaped shoes of course.... I googled this to check but it seems like the NHS treatments are the same as when I retired. They don't mention trauma as a cause. My late DH had one cause by kicking an iron bar as a child.

[angie55]

Had them all my life, but in last 2 years have had both corrected via surgery, 6 months apart. Each operation took about 90 minutes. Then several weeks in bandages and not weight bearing, walking in crutches. Up and down stairs was fun! Took 18 months after each op for each foot to return to normal, but that was exactly what surgeon said. Surgeon was brilliant and came recommended.

[Sqad]

angie55 has got it right.
More than 6 months of pain despite conservative treatment ( you have been suffering for 2 years).....then see an Orthopaedic surgeon.

No, I don't suffer from bunions.

[ummmm]

MIL also had surgery.

[Islay]

Thats what you get for wearing sexy ho shoes Barmaid!! ;-)

[Bathsheba]

I've got one on each foot, but they don't bother me as much as corns do :(

Baths
x x x

[angie55]

Surgeon advised they could be painful after each op, but I can honestly say I only took painkillers for 2 days on first foot and none for the other foot. Maybe I was lucky, but I repeat the surgeon was fantastic. Also have to say it was not NHS, I paid for both ops.

[GenuineclAss]

Toe separators were recommended by my NHS Podiatrist.

I also have special insoles which I have to move to and fro between any footwear I put on.

The Podiatrist said that surgery should be a last resort.

[Barmaid]

I'll try the gel things. I have to say, this splint is effective for pain relief. I hadnt realised that it was constantly painful (although at a fairly low level) until I put the splint on and instant relief! Perhaps we get a little de-sensitised to pain over a long term. I can probably live with it if I can keep the pain down (when it does flare up, its excrutiating), because surgery makes me want to pee my pants.......

[GenuineclAss]

Would it be possible for you to wear the splint at night when you are less active? Or just when you have time to sit down?

Plus, I for one could not afford a private surgery!

[angie55]

I can only speak from personal experience, but whilst the surgeon warned there can be pain, I hardly had any pain at all. The operations themselves were nothing to worry about. I walked down to operating theatre, anesthetic given, then next thing I know I’m being wheeled back to my room on my bed and feeling very thirsty. I would definitely recommend the surgery.

[Bathsheba]

Sorry Barmaid, I am well known as a threadkiller :(

Baths
x x x

[Barmaid]

You havent killed anything Baths, dont be daft!!!

[Bathsheba]

Oh good. Should have refreshed :(

[GenuineclAss]

Don't worry Baths - lovely to see you, I might add! - I am Queen of the Thread Killers, always have been. I'm too honest for my own good. A lot of AB people don't like the real truth, it has to be sugar-coated for them!

[Barmaid]

You havent killed it either Ms Class!

I have got the splint on atm, but walking round the house is difficult so I think you are right, I'll wear it at night.

[mikey4444]

Barmaid....if those shoes were the cause of your painful bunions, than perhaps they weren't so "very lovely" after all ?