Bunions

[lankeela]

My big toes are longer than the rest of my toes and curve round at the top towards the other toes. I have always had trouble getting comfortable shoes and tend to wear wide fitting trainers or boots, or flat loafer type shoes. In the past few weeks I have noticed discomfort on the side of my foot where the big toe meets the foot. My mum and sister both had bunions and I presume that is what this is. I have looked up some websites that say it is often an inherited condition, and treatment usually requires surgery, and being 'off my feet' for anything up to 8 weeks.

Has anyone had bunions, had them treated or found some way of alleviating them? I am on the point of having to wear slippers all the time!

[snook]

It's a condition called hallux valgus, and there's more information on it here.

Taken from the page:

I've heard lots of people are worse off after bunion surgery.

Research shows that 85% of people who have bunion corrections are satisfied with the results.

[lankeela]

Thanks for that snook. Its a case of wait and see how bad it gets. I will try to visit the doctor to get his opinion (no doubt I would have to wait months/years for a specialist appointment anyway!)

[WendyS]

I believe that this often can be an inherited problem. Apartfrom buying very wide shoes the only possible solution I can suggest is a visit to a chiropodist. I know there is a plastic device one can obtain which you strap onto your foot for several hours at night to try and correct the intward slant of the big toe. I obtained one for a mild bunion problem I had,but it wasn't very strong and snapped after the third wearing and I never replaced it so I'm unsure how effective these devices are. However, my doctor warned that bunion surgery is rarely the perfect answer so talk to a chiropodist first before considering any radical options.