Bunion Operation

Just got back from seeing my GP. She was supportive in having the surgery but encouraged me to have it done by a podiatrist instead of an orthopedic surgeon. Her rationale was that a podiatrist does this surgery on a daily basis whereas an orthopedic surgeon only does it intermittently. I will have appointments with both before I decide. Any opinions out there? She also said that I probably will not be given a general anesthetic but a block instead with something that will make me groggy and relaxed.

Hi Lynn, I think you are very wise to consult with both. I received the exact opposite advice from my GP. You need to check that your orthopaedic surgeon operates on bunions regularly, usually you will probably be referred to one who is a foot specialist. The problem is that this is a complicated operation and if things turn out to be

more difficult than expected then a fully qualified surgeon is best. Podiatrists are limited in what they can do. I am sure there are some good ones out there but it is well worth doing your homework. Good luck!

Hi Lynn and all. I agree - think carefully about who to go with. One person I know went with a podiatrist with not great results, and also couldn't claim it on insurance (whereas she could have claimed an orthapaedic surgeon). I had mine done nearly 4 months ago, and although results are pretty good I don't feel I knew what questions to ask. The mobility of my toes has been impaired, not enormously, but I can't do a deep lunge (I had a scarf akin osteotomy). I've been told by a podiatrist that having the metal in my toes means I will never be able to put pressure on the joints as that may cause injury (so won't get the full mobility back). I play netball, and still haven't to be able to ascertain if I should go back and play (in fact I have twice, slightly stubbed toes both times) or if it's too risky!? Next stop will be a sports physio but I just want to warn others to try and get a really accurate picture about what limitations you will have after a bunion operation. My experience with orthapaedic surgeons is that they all say to only have a bunion operation for medical (not cosmetic) reasons, but don't say exactly why. Lise

Hi Lynn. I had mine done by a Podiatrist board certified in foot and ankle surgery. I also went to 2 different orthopaedic surgeons for opinions but both do not do this procedure on a regular basis. I decided to go with the podiatrist who does this procedure every week

Hope this helps

Thanks, all. Hope I get appointments with podiatrist/surgeons soon before I lose my nerve.

Hi Lynn7777

I'm 27 years old and have had a right scarf osteotomy and a generous Akin osteotomy on the 4th November. I have had two pins in my first metatarsal bone and an 8mm staple in my big to make it straight. I'm relatively young to have this done but the pain and swelling was happening every day and affected my usual activities so I decided to seek help. My GP has known I've had this problem my whole life but I had to persuade them to refer me. Fortunately I have private medical insurance and saw two different consultants. I was eventually referred to a specialist foot and ankle centre in London with a surgeon who had 14 years experience doing this operation. I decided to go ahead and have been pleasantly surprised. I had a general anaesthetic and stayed overnight in hospital. I am allergic to morphine so was only able to take ibuprofen and paracetamol and the pain was managable. I had my stitches removed on Monday and have already started physio. I'm pleased with the progress and don't have any pain whatsover now. I would recommend you have your surgery carried out by an orthopedic surgeon, not a podiatrist. I felt more comfortable with the level of training and experience of the surgeons.

I hope you do decide to go ahead, it's really not as bad as you think.

Thanks nr23646 for your feedback. I'm waiting on an consultation with the surgeon and would love to get the procedure done immediately after the holidays. Love to hear all the encouragement!

Hi all,

I'm in Canada but just found your very informative chat board. I am 50, have suffered with bunions for many years but when I saw an orthopaedic surgeon in 1999 he said "oh, they aren't bad enough to warrant an operation". His words made me feel I should just shut up and deal with the pain but after suffering another 13+ years I met a very sympathetic podiatrist who referred me to a young ortho surgeon and I now have surgery booked for Dec 10. Left foot first and then right foot a few months later.

I have been very nervous about the amount of pain I'll endure but from some of the stories I've read here, I am hoping that the doctors have been overstating the level of discomfort. Hoping I have a high pain tolerance and/or get good drugs, lol.

It has been great to read about how glad people were to finally get the surgery done and how it has improved their life. I am not a particularly active person, but having only a couple of footwear choices (sneakers in summer, boots in winter) has been frustrating and wardrobe-limiting, to say the least.

Wish me luck!

SloppySue62, why did you decide to have the ortho surgeon do the procedure instead of the podiatrist? And why did you decide to do your feet separately? I'm struggling with those issues right now. I will be talking with both the podiatrist and surgeon next week and hope to have the procedure scheduled after the holidays. Good luck to you and start looking through those shoe catalogs!

@SloppySue - I'm nine days post surgery - I have no regrets whatsoever in having both my feet done together

One Op = One recovery period in my mind, the pain has never been that bad - yes there has been pain but nothing to get me down.

Regular does of Tramadol have done the trick for me.

I have been able to get about with the help of the shoes they gave me at the hospital - I have managed the stairs no problem.

I also feel guilty not being at work - I had fears I would need help in the bathroom etc, I manage all this with the aid of my shoes & crutches.

i never even considered a podiatrist - I'm not sure thats an option here I live? The orthopaedic surgeon I had - I had great faith in her.

My only problem has been my bandages keep slipping off, I've had a good look at my feet this morning as my OH changed my dressings, my feet are still swollen - so they are not too pretty at the moment. I'm back at the hospital on 29th.

Good luck

I couldnt imagine having both feet done at once. I had my right foot done Nov 7th and it was severe so no weight bearing for 6 weeks. The pain was pretty severe the 1st 2 weeks but I think I am taking a turn for the better. Getting around the house with the knee scooter has been helpful. If you have someone to help you it really makes it easier.

I might try to get out of the house today