Should I consider surgery to remove painful bunion?

Hi there. I'd say go for it if you have a good surgeon and if it will decrease your pain on a daily basis. 

Those of us posting on these sites have generally been pleased with their surgery.  Personally, I have hypermobile feet so my bunions started to for. When I was about 8 - 50 years ago!  I was also put off by other people but then none of them had the surgery so how could they know.  My big toes still incline tho I'm hoping with time they will straighten some more.  I'm just over 7 weeks post surgery. I can walk round the house all day but walking outside is harder because of footwear and safety.

i was pretty immobile the first couple of weeks and tried to ice rest and elevate and that's what you need to do to help yourself.  It's not a quick recovery but them I'm guessing it wasn't quick with your thumbs.  As an alternative first you could find a well qualified podiatrist and has a consultation with them.  Mine was v helpful and we talked about surgery on and off for about three years til I decided to go for surgery.  I was always told I wouldn't get it done in London, i don't know if that is true, but we moved out to the country and I had it done of problem.  The surgeon said it was my choice but he could do the surgery no problem.  Hope this helps. Good luck👣👣

Hi Marilyn, I too was told that, and only heard bad reports from everyone until I got onto this page, and to be able to discuss with like-minded people who have HAD the operation I think you will safely decide to have it done, as I too! I go in May to see the specialist and dreading the thought of what it might be afterwards as I have a wardrobe full of heels!....My feet are starting to become numb, and I don't want to hobble the rest of my life, so I'm having them done one at a time. From what all the ladies have said on this site it is just a matter of controlling the pain for the first few weeks and keep up with the meds otherwise we will be chasing the pain!...All the best!

It was the most painful surgery I ever had. The first  days were very difficult, but I did both feet at the same time. Afterwards, I felt better every day. I am an active person who hikes, bikes, and works 12 hour shifts. My feet do look better (minus the scar). Best of luck to you! 

Hello Marylin. Wow! you seem to have all sorts of other underlying conditions and it's not surprising that you're apprehensive in making a decision about whether to proceed with bunion surgery. Firstly, I live in UK West Yorkshire. You don't disclose where you're writing from. However, I have great faith in my surgeon/consultant   -  who specialises in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery -  and I underwent bunion and 2nd  hammertoe correction surgery in November 2013 after many years of wondering whether to go ahead with it. The thing in my case was that the hammertoe was getting worse and very uncomfortable, and the bunion toe, whilst not unduly painful was also deteriorating. My consultant laid all the facts before me during my initial consultation about what to expect from the surgery, the pain afterwards ( this actually proved to be more discomfort and nothing like the pain he warned me to expect), things that may go wrong, the benefits, the very long recovery period and need to keep the foot elevated for many, many weeks etc, etc. And I admit that during the consultation I did think was this surgery  going to be the wrong thing.  He was totally honest and thorough.  However, my ultimate deciding factor to go ahead was that without the surgery the hammer and bunion toes were going to continue to deteriorate. With this realisation I decided at that appointment to give the consultant the 'go-ahead' to place me on his operating list.

Here, almost 21 weeks after the surgery and just about back to normal and able to wear just about every pair of my ( vast collection!!!) shoes, I am so glad that I've had the procedures carried out. I still get a bit of discomfort if I'm on my feet for a very long time but I cure this quite easily by sitting with my foot elevated and gently massage it. The seamoid bones seem to be suffering a little but the consultant has discussed with me what can be done if this persists but he seems to think that given a while longer the discomfort here will disappear by the time I see him again in July when I shall be discussing with him having surgery on my other foot.

Everyone is different Marilyn, and all I am able to do is give you my story. I hope that you will be able to speak to your consultant/surgeon and that he/she will be able to suitably advise you. Don't be afraid to write a list of questions to ask and never be made to feel that you are being rushed during the consultation. Take your time.

Good Luck.

G

Hi Marilyn, I had doubts as to whether I really wanted to go ahead and have my bunions operated on, as you hear of some people experiencing such a lot of problems and worse pain - now think this is alot to do with how you always hear about what has gone wrong for a few people and not the thousands of people who have had a great experience.  Like you I have ostearthritis in my hips, knees and feet plus bunions and hammer toes, and I had got to the stage where I was unable to wear most shoes even flats, and had about 3 pairs of shoes I could wear, but even those not for prolonged periods.  I had my right foot operated on on 26th March (bunion and hammer toes) and already it is a joy compared to the pain I had before and can't wait until the dressing is off and I can start building up the walking.  I will need to have the other foot operated on in about 4-6 months time and can't wait for that either!  From my experience I am glad I had it done and didn't put it off.  Good luck with whatever decision you come to though, as what is right for one person may not be right for someone else!

Well Marilyn, I'm post op nearly 4 weeks and managing to walk in my medi shoe for about 30 minutes now.  As everyone says, we are all different, but I would still say go ahead and have it done if it's right for you.  Yes it is a literal pain for about 48/72 hours (for me) but I am so looking forward to walking again without a red throbbing bunion! Good luck  

Thank you so much to all who repied to my post I have found this forum so informative and has totally changed my mind on bunion surgery.It`s great to read positive stories from people who have gone through this type of surgery instead of listening to people who have never had a painful bunion telling me not to have it done.I am now going to see gp to ask for referral for surgery.Thanks again everyone I now feel I have bit of hope of getting some sort of relief in the future..