BUNION SURGERY?????

i HAD A BUNION REMOVAL 15 YRS AGO ON LEFT FOOT- IT TURNED OUT OK EXCEPT FOR LITTLE TOE TO THE LEFT OF IT DEVELOPPED A HAMMERTOE NODULE- NOW i HAVE A BUNION ON MY RIGHT FOOT THAT ISN'T SO MUCH PAINFUL- BUT FINDING IT HARD TO FIT ANY SHOES AT ALL, AND IT IS KNOCKING OF MY GAIT I BELIEVE CAUSE MY SHINS, ANKLE AND BACK SEEM TO BOTHER ME.
i AM REALLY SCARED ABOUT SURGERY- HAVING HEARD SO MANY BAD STORIES- HAVE SUCCESS RATES OR THE WAY THEY DO SURGERY CHANGED SINCE 15 YRS AGO?? CAN I ADDRES BOTH FEET AT THE SAME TIME? WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME???
THANKS

[Charles Rosen, MD]

Dear JERRYMHF,

You should see an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle.  I recommend staying away from podiatrists.

Thanks for your question.

Dr. Charles Rosen

[Jennifer_99]

Hi.  I had the surgery on my left foot about 4 weeks ago.  For what it's worth, here's my advice:  

1.  Consult an orthopedic surgeon.  Or two or three.  I consulted with several before choosing mine.

2.  Do not have both feet done at the same time -- you will have no mobility!

3.  It is a big deal, and can be painful, so make sure you really need to have it done.  My bunion was maybe an inch of a bump and had caused my big toe to drift to towards the other toes.  As a result, I couldn't walk properly on that foot, which was causing problems with my smaller toes.  

Good luck!

[poorfoot]

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